Screening mammography in women aged 80 and older was associated with earlier-stage breast cancer diagnosis and improved outcomes. In a retrospective cohort (n=174), screened patients had smaller tumors, more ductal carcinoma in situ, and underwent breast-conserving surgery more often. Unscreened patients more frequently presented with symptomatic, advanced disease. With median 55-month follow-up, screening was linked to improved disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.376) and overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.417). Findings suggest benefit from individualized screening discussions even in patients 80 years and older.

Source: Annals of Surgical Oncology