Mammography Screening Age Recommendation

A 50-year-old female patient presents for her annual health check-up. During the visit, the nurse discusses the importance of screening for diseases that are prevalent in women over 50, particularly breast cancer and osteoporosis. The patient has a family history of breast cancer in her mother and is concerned about her own risk. The nurse informs her of the guidelines for mammography and bone density testing.

According to the current recommendations from the American Cancer Society, the patient should begin mammography screening at age 40. Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women aged 65 and older to have bone density testing every two years. However, women 50-64 years old with risk factors such as family history should begin screening for osteoporosis earlier.

Fill in the blank with the recommended age for women at average risk to begin mammography screening: <strong>___</strong> years old.