When is a mammogram typically recommended?

A mammogram is primarily recommended as a routine screening tool for breast cancer. The procedure is designed to detect early signs of breast cancer in women who may not show any symptoms. It is typically advised starting at the age of 40, although recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors and guidelines from different health organizations.

In the context of the other options, mammograms are not utilized for diagnosing fractures, as that requires imaging methodologies more suited to bone assessment, such as X-rays. Similarly, mammograms do not play a role in evaluating abdominal pain or investigating lung conditions, as these areas require different types of imaging, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or X-rays tailored to those specific concerns. Thus, the focus on routine screening for breast cancer establishes why this choice is the appropriate one.