DOES THE PROVEN BENEFIT OF MAMMOGRAPHY EXTEND TO BREAST-CANCER PATIENTS OVER AGE 70

Background. Prospective randomized studies show reduced breast cancer mortality among women offered mammographic screening; yet, few women 7 0 or older were represented in these trials. We examine the impact of mammography on stage at diagnosis of breast cancer, over the years whe n mammography came into general use, comparing women aged 40 to 69 wit h those aged 70 and older. Methods. We reviewed the records of 1,001 c onsecutive patients 40 and older treated for invasive or in situ breas t cancer in the surgical practice of one of us (H.S.C.) between 1979 a nd 1993, comparing trends in mammography use, means of diagnosis, tumo r size, axillary node status, and pathology. Results. The proportion o f cases diagnosed by mammography increased over time To a comparable d egree in both age groups, as did the proportion of T1 and DCIS or micr oinvasive cancers. This trend toward earlier stage appears entirely du e to an increasing use of mammography. Conclusion. The potential benef it of regular mammography to healthy women aged 70 and older may equal that observed in their younger counterparts.