Breast cancer screening may not be beneficial for women over 70.
Breast cancer screening may not be beneficial for women over 70.
The Risks and Benefits of Mammograms for Women 70 and Older
Screening mammograms have long been recommended as a vital tool in the early detection of breast cancer. However, recent research has shed light on the potential risks of this screening method for women aged 70 and older. While mammograms undoubtedly save lives, they may also lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment in certain cases.
Dr. Ilana Richman, a health services researcher at Yale Cancer Center, highlights the importance of considering age and overall health when assessing the risks and benefits of mammograms. According to her study, older women and those with serious medical conditions face higher risks of overdiagnosis, where breast cancer is detected but would not have caused any symptoms during the woman’s lifetime.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 55 and older undergo mammograms every two years or continue yearly screenings as long as they are in good health and expected to live for 10 or more years. However, this study involving approximately 55,000 women aged 70 and older reveals that the likelihood of overdiagnosis increases with age. Around 31% of breast cancers detected in women aged 70 to 74 were considered overdiagnosed, while the percentage rose to 47% in women aged 74 to 84. The risk was highest for women aged 85 and older.
Overdiagnosis can result in unnecessary treatments such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and long-term medications. These interventions can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life, while the breast cancer itself may never have caused any symptoms. Therefore, it becomes essential to carefully consider the risks and benefits of mammograms for women in this age group.
While the risks are real, the value of early detection with mammograms cannot be disregarded. Dr. Marisa Weiss, the chief medical officer of Breastcancer.org, emphasizes that mammograms can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. For women aged 70 and older who are expected to live another 5 to 10 years and are in good health, mammography remains important.
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Dr. Catherine Sarkisian, a geriatrician at the University of California, Los Angeles, stresses the need for personalized conversations between older women and their physicians when deciding whether or not to have a mammogram. These discussions should take into account life expectancy, personal values around risk aversion, and the importance of time away from the medical system.
At 80 years old, author Susan Salenger exemplifies the proactive and well-informed approach to breast cancer screenings. She faithfully gets a mammogram every year, driven by her desire to catch any potential cancer early and actively participate in treatment decisions.
Although medical advancements continue to improve diagnostic accuracy, there is still no foolproof method for distinguishing between lethal cancers and those that are unlikely to cause harm. Dr. Otis Brawley, a professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, emphasizes the need for tests that can objectively and accurately identify cancers that require treatment versus those that do not.
In conclusion, while the risks of overdiagnosis exist for women aged 70 and older, screening mammograms can still provide significant benefits in terms of early detection and improved quality of life. It is crucial for older women to engage in thoughtful discussions with their doctors to assess personal risks, values, and potential benefits when making decisions regarding mammograms.
More information: Breastcancer.org
