The American Cancer Society recommends a mammogram every year from age 40 to 65 and once in menopause at age 55 or younger. Your doctor may suggest you have mammograms even earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer or you have risk factors for the disease such as breast implants, nursing, reproductive history and young age at first marriage. If you have a very high risk of developing breast cancer – for example if your mother or sister has had it – your doctor may recommend an X-ray screening every year beginning at 35.