The Texas Medical Association (TMA) has adopted a policy supporting the recommendation that women of average risk begin annual mammography screenings at age 40. This aligns with guidelines from the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging (ACR/SBI). The TMA House of Delegates made this decision during its 2025 annual meeting, choosing not to set an upper age limit for screening.
“More and more younger people are being diagnosed with cancer, so it made sense to lower the [screening] age,” said Terri L. Woodard, MD, co-chair of the TMA Committee on Cancer. “All decisions about mammography screening should be using shared decision-making between patients and their physicians.”
The association also plans to increase awareness among both patients and physicians about these updated guidelines and is encouraging state funding for programs that expand access to mammography services. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Screening saves lives,” Dr. Woodard said.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among women after skin cancer, with rising cases in Texas women under 50. The TMA committee is also advocating for improved access to mobile mammography units, particularly in underserved areas where regular screenings may be less available.
Dr. Woodard emphasized disparities in health care access: “It made sense to try to improve access to people who might be limited by finances, by transportation issues, and so forth.”
Both initiatives aim to prompt greater awareness and action among Texans due to the high prevalence of cancer in the state.
Physicians note that about one in eight women nationwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, while one in 43 will die from it. Breast cancer represents roughly 30% of new annual cancer diagnoses among women. In Texas alone, an estimated 21,083 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and approximately 3,535 died from it, according to state health data.
Dr. Woodard is a Houston-based reproductive endocrinologist who works mainly with patients at risk for or previously diagnosed with cancer. She has observed that some patients delay screening only to receive a later diagnosis.
“Many women in their 40s have so many competing priorities,” said Dr. Woodard. “We’re working, we’re taking care of children, we’re taking care of parents; and a lot of times we don’t put ourselves first. Sometimes we need to hear that this is something that you should and need to do.”
She added that some recently pregnant women may delay seeking evaluation if they discover a mass: “They find a mass and they figure, ‘It’s related to breastfeeding. It’s probably nothing.’ And they go on without being evaluated.”
Dr. Woodard stated her goal clearly: “We want fewer women to die of cancer,” she said. “We want people to have access to screening and literally save their lives.”
TMA represents more than 59,000 physician and medical student members across Texas through its network based in Austin.
