Regular Mammograms Linked to Longer Life for Women in their 80s,New Study finds
A new study challenges conventional wisdom,suggesting that routine breast cancer screenings with mammograms can significantly benefit women even into their 80s. The research, conducted at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, indicates that continued screening is associated with earlier cancer detection, less aggressive treatment, and improved survival rates.
The Shifting Landscape of Breast Cancer Screening
For many older women, the decision of whether to continue annual breast cancer screening has been fraught with uncertainty. Current guidelines generally recommend mammograms up to age 74, but offer less definitive advice for those 75 and older.This ambiguity leaves both patients and physicians grappling with the optimal course of action. As the number of older adults in the U.S. continues to rise, determining the most effective screening strategies for this demographic has become increasingly critical.
Study Reveals Significant Survival Advantage
Published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, the study analyzed the medical records of 174 women aged 80 and older diagnosed with breast cancer at UCLA between 2013 and 2020. Researchers divided the cohort into two groups: 98 women who had a mammogram within two years of their diagnosis and 76 who did not.The findings revealed a striking difference in outcomes.
Women who underwent regular mammograms were more likely to have their cancer detected at an earlier stage and, crucially, experienced a 55% lower risk of cancer recurrence and a 74% lower risk of dying compared to those who were not regularly screened.These benefits persisted even after accounting for factors like age,tumor type,and surgical intervention.
de-escalation of Treatment Possible with Early Detection
The study also highlighted the potential for less aggressive treatment approaches when cancer is detected early through screening. According to a senior researcher, “When cancer is found on screening, it is often early stage. In postmenopausal women with the most common hormone-sensitive breast cancers, we can often omit sentinel lymph node biopsy, chemotherapy, and sometimes even radiation.” This “de-escalation” of treatment, made possible by early detection, allows for effective cancer management while minimizing the burden of potentially harsh therapies.
Addressing Concerns About Overdiagnosis
Researchers acknowledge the valid concerns surrounding overdiagnosis – the detection of cancers that may never pose a threat-a situation where the potential harms of treatment outweigh the benefits-and the associated costs of screening. Though, the study’s findings suggest that the benefits of early detection outweigh these risks for many women in their 80s.
“We were surprised to see such a significant survival difference among these women in their 80s,” stated a lead investigator. “our findings underscore the importance of encouraging breast cancer screening in elderly patients,irrespective of age,unless they have more pressing health issues.”
Limitations and Future Research
While promising, the study is not without limitations. The retrospective nature of the research, relying on existing medical records, means it doesn’t capture potential downsides like false positives or the emotional stress of screening. Moreover, the study population consisted solely of women already diagnosed with breast cancer, meaning it doesn’t reflect the broader population of older women. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and refine screening recommendations. .
The study’s authors include Dr. Siu-Yuan huang, Makaelah Murray, Angelique Rubio, Nneoma Okoro, Dr. Mina S. Sedrak, Dr. Susan A. McCloskey, Dr. Nicholas Jackson, and Dr. Mediget Teshome,all affiliated with UCLA.
Source: University of California – Los Angeles Health Sciences
Journal reference: Huang, S.-Y., et al. (2025). Impact of Screening Mammography on Breast cancer Outcomes in women Aged 80 Years and Over. Annals of Surgical Oncology. doi.org/10.1245/s10434-025-18288-4
