Reevaluating Mammogram Guidelines: Benefits for Women in Their 80s

Recent research from UCLA Health's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center indicates that mammograms can continue to be beneficial for women well into their 80s, a demographic often overlooked in screening guidelines. Traditionally, breast cancer screening recommendations suggest mammograms up to age 74, leaving uncertainty about routine screening for older women. However, this new study suggests that regular screenings in women in their 80s can dramatically improve outcomes.

The study analyzed medical records of 174 women aged 80 and above diagnosed with breast cancer at UCLA between 2013 and 2020. Most of these cancers were estrogen receptor–positive and HER2-negative, predominantly localized stage 1 or 2 tumors. Researchers compared women who had undergone a mammogram within two years before diagnosis with those who had not. Findings revealed that women who underwent regular screening were more likely to have cancer detected early, often at a less aggressive stage, and were more frequently treated with surgery. Conversely, unscreened women presented with more advanced, high-grade tumors, sometimes detectable only by touch.

After a median follow-up of nearly five years, women who received regular mammograms had a 55% lower risk of cancer recurrence and a 74% lower risk of mortality. These benefits persisted even after adjusting for factors like age and tumor characteristics. Dr. Nimmi Kapoor, senior author, emphasized the significance of early detection; "When cancers are caught early, it enables less aggressive treatment options and better survival rates."

Given the rapid growth of the elderly population and the high risk of breast cancer in older women, these findings suggest that screening guidelines may need reevaluation. Despite concerns about overdiagnosis and the emotional or financial burdens of additional testing, the evidence indicates that continued mammography can substantially improve health outcomes for women in their 80s.

The research underscores the importance of personalized healthcare decisions, encouraging healthcare providers to consider regular screening for healthy older women unless other health issues outweigh potential benefits. Larger, prospective studies are required to further solidify these findings and refine screening protocols.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-mammograms-benefit-women-80s.html