Breast Screening for Women Aged 65–69
Author Information
Author(s): Moss S M, Brown J, Garvican L, Coleman D A, Johns L E, Blanks R G, Rubin G, Oswald J, Page A, Evans A, Gamble P, Wilson R, Lee L, Liston J, Sturdy L, Sutton G, Wardman G, Patnick J, Winder R
Primary Institution: Cancer Screening Evaluation Unit, Section of Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research
Hypothesis
Is routine breast screening effective for women aged 65–69?
Conclusion
Breast screening is as cost-effective for women aged 65–69 as for those aged 50–64.
Supporting Evidence
- Overall uptake was 71% in women aged 65–69 compared with 78% in younger women.
- Recall rates were lower for older women, but with a higher positive predictive value for cancer.
- The costs per woman invited or per woman screened were similar to those for women aged 50–64.
- The cost per cancer detected was some 34% lower in older women.
Takeaway
This study shows that older women can benefit from breast screening just like younger women, and it doesn't cost more to screen them.
Methodology
Routine programme data and specially designed surveys from 3 demonstration sites were analyzed.
Limitations
The study may not represent all regions or populations.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 65–69 registered with GPs in the demonstration areas.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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