Early breast cancer screening behaviors

Forgoing recommended breast cancer screenings can increase the risk of breast cancer-related mortality, according to a news article from The Guardian.

In a study published in the British Medical Journal, investigators analyzed the outcomes of approximately 500,000 female participants residing in Sweden who were invited to participate in their first breast cancer screenings between 1991 and 2020.

Among the nearly one-third of participants who skipped their first mammogram appointment, the risk of breast cancer-related mortality was 40% higher compared with those who adhered to mammography guidelines. Those who didn’t attend their first screening were also more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer, highlighting the ability of mammograms to detect breast cancer early.

The investigators underscored that aside from identifying breast cancer, first mammogram appointments provide clinicians with opportunities to educate patients with negative results about the early warning signs of the disease and how they can reduce their risk of cancer.

Read more: The Guardian

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