Mammography use and breast cancer incidence among older US women

Purpose The death rate for female breast cancer increases progressively with age, but organizations differ in their mammography screening recommendations for older women. To understand current patterns of screening mammography use and breast cancer diagnoses among older women, we examined recent national data on mammography screening use and breast cancer incidence and stage at diagnosis among women aged >= 65 years. Methods We examined breast cancer incidence using the 2016 United States Cancer Statistics dataset and analyzed screening mammography use among women aged >= 65 years using the 2018 National Health Interview Survey. Results Women aged 70-74 years had the highest breast cancer incidence rate (458.3 cases per 100,000 women), and women aged >= 85 years had the lowest rate (295.2 per 100,000 women). The proportion of cancer diagnosed at distant stage or with unknown stage increased with age. Over half of women aged 80-84 years and 26.0% of women aged >= 85 years reported a screening mammogram within the last 2 years. Excellent/very good/good self-reported health status (p = .010) and no dependency in activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living (p < .001) were associated with recent mammography screening. Conclusion Breast cancer incidence rates and stage at diagnosis vary by age. Many women aged >= 75 years receive screening mammograms. The results of this study point to areas for further investigation to promote optimal mammography screening among older women.

Automated summary

The study found that the incidence rate of breast cancer is highest among women aged 70-74 years and lowest among women aged 85 years and above. As age increases, the proportion of cancer diagnosed at distant stage or with unknown stage also increases. Over half of women aged 80-84 years and 26.0% of women aged 85 years and above reported having a screening mammogram within the last 2 years. Self-reported health status and independence in daily activities were associated with recent mammography screening.