Older Women Lack Understanding of Mammography Benefits, Risks After Age 75

Healthcare providers should take care to discuss with women the risks and benefits of continuing with mammography past age 75 years to dispel any confusion or feelings of discrimination, according to the results of a study recently published in Psycho-Oncology.

A team of Australian researchers set out to explore the motivations and behaviors of women aged 75 and older with regards to mammography, which they are eligible to receive every 2 years free of charge in Australia but do not receive an explicit invitation to do so. 

Sixty women aged 75 and older were recruited from a variety of areas across Australia to participate in a descriptive qualitative study. Due to a limited focus on this age group’s voices, these patients have often not been heard.  

Through a series of semi-structured interviews, the researchers sought to elicit feedback from the women about their experiences regarding screening.

Their responses were delineated into several themes.

• Reasons to continue mammography screening after age 75
• Reasons to discontinue screening after age 75
• Importance of inclusivity in the healthcare system after age 75
• Importance of providing information to support decision making after age 75

The researchers cited previous research showing that dominant public messages about the benefits of screening seemed to have made ceasing screening difficult for women, but women may be more open to that possibility if their healthcare providers clearly explain why they may not benefit. 

These results dovetailed with previous studies that showed that a range of various factors influence older people’s cancer screening decisions. Strong positive attitudes toward screening as a strategy for dealing with risk and achieving peace of mind were commonly cited in this study. 

These results suggest that healthcare providers need to offer information through a range of age-appropriate resources, including evidence-based decision aids, to older women to make sure they understand both the benefits and the risks of continuing with screening after age 75.  Failure to do so could potentially harm women from a psycho-social perspective. 

“While the benefits of regular breast screening are well documented in early detection and improved survival rates, it is important to consider individual factors when determining the most appropriate screening schedule for older women,” the researchers wrote in conclusion. 

“Age, overall health, life expectancy, and individual risk factors must be considered to facilitate informed decision making about screening after age 75. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that older women receive the most effective and appropriate breast cancer screening, promoting early detection and improving outcomes while minimizing unnecessary harm or anxiety.”