Key Takeaways
- The latest research indicates that mammograms in women aged 80 and above can effectively detect early-stage, treatable breast cancer.
- Older women who participate in mammogram screenings demonstrate a reduction in both cancer recurrence and mortality rates.
- Experts advise women over 75 to consult with their healthcare providers regarding ongoing screening.
Currently, there are no specific guidelines for breast cancer screening among women over 75 in the U.S. While some organizations advocate for continued screening for older women willing to participate, others argue that existing evidence does not sufficiently support the need for ongoing screening.
A recent study shows that mammograms for women aged 80 and above frequently identify early-stage breast cancer, where treatment might include only oral medications.
“Detecting cancer early allows us to lower the intensity of treatment required while still achieving favorable outcomes,” Nimmi Kapoor, MD, who senior authored the study and is an associate professor of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, stated in a statement.
Current Screening Recommendations for Women Over 75
Leading medical organizations differ regarding breast cancer screening guidelines for individuals older than 74.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, whose recommendations are commonly utilized by primary care providers, last revised its mammography recommendations in 2024.
The Task Force recommends screening up to age 74. In a Q&A accompanying the update, they noted that for patients over 75, the decision to screen should be a collaborative one between the clinician and patient, based on personal health, values, and preferences. Furthermore, they indicated a need for more studies to understand the effectiveness of screenings in older women to inform future recommendations.
Conversely, the American Cancer Society endorses continued screenings as long as a woman is in good health and projected to live at least another 10 years. The American College of Radiology also supports ongoing mammograms for women past 74 “without an upper age limit, unless serious comorbidities affect life expectancy.”
Benefits of Breast Cancer Screening for Women 75+
According to Kapoor, old age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and the rising number of older adults in the U.S. over the last decade amplifies this concern.
The observational study reviewed data from 174 women aged 80 and older who were diagnosed with breast cancer at UCLA from 2013 to 2020. Many of these cancers were estrogen receptor–positive and HER2-negative—the most prevalent and treatable type—and were discovered at an early stage.
Women who underwent mammograms experienced a 55% lower risk of cancer recurrence and a 74% decrease in mortality, even when adjusted for age, tumor type, and surgery.
This study offers an initial look at breast cancer trends among the elderly population. Kapoor explained that diagnosing breast cancer in older women can be more straightforward because previous imaging records provide a useful comparison, making new changes more likely to be cancer-related.
Researchers acknowledged that their study focused only on women diagnosed with breast cancer, which means that potential disadvantages of screening—such as false positives, further testing, or emotional and financial stress—were not accounted for. Larger studies are essential to validate the advantages of mammograms for this demographic.
What to Consider for Breast Cancer Screening If You’re 75+
One in four women diagnosed with breast cancer is over 75, according to Robert Smith, PhD, senior vice president of Early Cancer Detection Science at the American Cancer Society. Many of these cases can be diagnosed early through regular mammograms, he noted.
Women over 75 should not automatically cease mammograms, according to Jason Mouabbi, MD, an assistant professor of breast medical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Mouabbi emphasized the importance of consulting an oncologist if there are uncertainties about ongoing screening. Additionally, second opinions are typically covered by Medicare, as noted by the Medicare Rights Center.
