scholarly journals Weighing the Benefits and Burdens of Mammography Screening Among Women Age 80 Years or Older

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1774-1780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara A. Schonberg ◽  
Rebecca A. Silliman ◽  
Edward R. Marcantonio

Purpose To examine outcomes of mammography screening among women ≥ 80 years to inform decision making. Patients and Methods We conducted a cohort study of 2,011 women without a history of breast cancer who were age ≥ 80 years between 1994 and 2004 and who received care at one academic primary care clinic or two community health centers in Boston, MA. Medical record data were abstracted on all screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and biopsies performed, all breast cancers diagnosed through December 31, 2006, and on sociodemographics. Date and cause of death were confirmed using the National Death Index. Results The majority of patients (78.6%) were non-Hispanic white and 51.4% (n = 1,034) had been screened with mammography since age 80 years. Among women who were screened, eight were diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, 16 with early stage disease (1.5%), two with late stage disease, and one died as a result of breast cancer. Many (110; 11%) experienced a false-positive screening mammogram that led to 19 benign breast biopsies, eight refused work-up, and three experienced a false-negative screening mammogram; 97 were screened within 2 years of their death from other causes. There were no significant differences in the rate, stage, recurrence rate, or deaths due to breast cancer between women who were screened and those who were not screened. Conclusion The majority of women ≥ 80 years are screened with mammography yet few benefit. Meanwhile, 12.5% experience a burden from screening. The data from this study can be used to inform elderly women's decision making and potentially lead to more rational use of screening.

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1526-1526
Author(s):  
R. Haque ◽  
J. E. Schottinger ◽  
M. H. Kanter ◽  
C. C. Avila ◽  
R. Contreras ◽  
...  

1526 Background: Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) led the nation in screening women for breast cancer (BCa) with a mammography rate of nearly 90% in 2007 according to 2008 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures. Despite successes in improving screening rates in this health plan that serves 3+ million diverse members, the percentage of women diagnosed with late stage BCa (stage III, IV) remained stable, varying from 12.9% (N∼323) in 2003 to 10.8% (N∼270) in 2007. To identify patient and health care factors associated with late stage diagnosis and the impact of its enhanced screening implementation guidelines, KPSC undertook this study. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a cohort of 10,580 BCa patients from 2003–2007. We compared women diagnosed with late stage disease versus those with early stage disease (stages I, II). P values (2-sided) were based on the chi-square distribution. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. Results: Factors that were positively associated with late stage diagnosis in the univariate analyses included age, lack of recent mammography screening, worse tumor features, 80+ years of age, minority race, lower geocoded household income, increased healthcare visits, and use of Pap testing (P < 0.01 for all variables). Factors significantly associated with late stage diagnosis in the multivariate model included only lack of recent mammography screening (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.14–1.58) and worse tumor features including high grade (grade 3, OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.96–3.40), positive lymph nodes (OR = 53.49, 95% CI: 39.90–71.72), and HER-2+ tumors (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13–1.72). Conclusions: Targeting older women, those with lower utilization, and women who did not have a recent mammogram may help further lower the prevalence of late stage diagnoses. However, given the extent of the health plan's previous efforts to enhance BCa screening rates, a ceiling effect may limit additional benefit. Additional efforts to decrease the rate of advanced tumor stage at diagnosis may include improving interpretation of mammograms or earlier detection of aggressive tumors by enhanced BRCA genetic testing. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sok Wei Julia Yuen ◽  
Tsang Yew Tay ◽  
Ning Gao ◽  
Nian Qin Tho ◽  
Ngiap Chuan Tan

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide. Despite being the most common cancer in Singapore, CRC screening rate remains low due to knowledge deficits, social reasons such as inconvenience and a lack of reminder or recommendation. A decision aid (DA) may facilitate an individual’s decision-making to undertake CRC screening by addressing misconceptions and barriers. We postulate that a more person-centred and culturally adapted DA will better serve the local population. The views of the target users are thus needed to develop such a DA. A CRC screening DA prototype has been adapted from an American DA to cater to the Asian users. This study aimed to explore user perspectives on an adapted CRC screening DA-prototype in terms of the design, content and perceived utility. Methods The study used in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather qualitative data from English-literate multi-ethnic Asian adults aged 50 years old and above. They had yet to screen for CRC before they were recruited from a public primary care clinic in Singapore. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed to identify emergent themes via thematic analysis. Results This study included 27 participants involved in 5 IDI and 5 FGDs. Participants found the DA easily comprehensible and of appropriate length. They appreciated information about the options and proposed having multi-lingual DAs. The design, in terms of the layout, size and font, was well-accepted but there were suggestions to digitalize the DA. Participants felt that the visuals were useful but there were concerns about modesty due to the realism of the illustration. They would use the DA for information-sharing with their family and for discussion with their doctor for decision making. They preferred the doctor’s recommendation for CRC screening and initiating the use of the DA. Conclusions Participants generally had favourable perceptions of the DA-prototype. A revised DA will be developed based on their feedback. Further input from doctors on the revised DA will be obtained before assessing its effectiveness to increase CRC screening rate in a randomized controlled trial.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 49-49
Author(s):  
Euridice R. Irving ◽  
Dennis R. A. Mans ◽  
Els Th. M. Dams ◽  
Maureen Y. Lichtveld

PURPOSE Delays across the entire cancer care continuum are not uncommon. This cross-sectional study explored the health care trajectories of Surinamese women with breast cancer and identified predictors of timely diagnosis and treatment initiation. METHODS One hundred women age 30 years or older who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 to 2018 were recruited from all 4 hospitals in Paramaribo. Data on their demographics, lifestyle, reproductive and medical history, health status, and family history of breast cancer and other malignancies were collected using a validated semistructured questionnaire. Using Anderson’s Model of Pathways to Treatment, we defined a patient interval (from detection to first consultation), diagnostic interval (from consultation to histopathologic diagnosis), and treatment interval (from diagnosis to first treatment). Log-transformed data were analyzed using linear regression, and variables with P ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant predictors of intervals. RESULTS All participants had health insurance and access to health care. Eighty-five percent of patients presented with early-stage disease. Ninety percent of patients had self-detected their disease, with 70% finding a lump. Average age was 55.6 years (± 11.8 years). Median durations of patient, diagnostic, and treatment intervals were 13 days (interquartile, range, 4-63 days), 40 days (IQR, 21-57 days), and 18 days (IQR, 8-38 days), respectively. Median duration of the entire interval was 95 days (IQR, 59-272 days). Patient-related factors associated with the intervals were religion (β = −530; P = .003), being employed (β = 149.4; P = .007), and age 50 years and older (β = −195.8; P = .037). Disease-related factors were lump as first symptom (β = −175.6; P = .038) and late-stage disease at diagnosis (β = 213.5; P = .004). CONCLUSION Given the limited-resource setting, delays in Suriname’s health care can be minimized by programs aimed at increasing breast cancer awareness and education; however, delays may have been underestimated as a result of the over-representation of early-stage disease and recall bias regarding the first symptom detected.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hikmat Abdel-Razeq ◽  
Fadwa Abdel Rahman ◽  
Hanan Al-Masri ◽  
Hazem Abdulelah ◽  
Mahmoud Abu Nasser ◽  
...  

Abstract Background : Less than 10% of newly diagnosed breast cancer in our region are diagnosed in women 70 years or older. Treatment plans of such patients is less clear and have poor outcomes. In this paper, we describe clinical presentation, tumor characteristics and treatment outcomes in such patients. Methods : Consecutive patients aged 65 years or older with pathologically-confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer were included. Medical records and hospital databases were searched for patients’ characteristics and treatment outcomes. Results : A total of 553 patients, median age 70 (range: 65-91) years, were included. On presentation, 114 (20.6%) patients had metastatic disease and was mostly visceral (81; 71.1%). Patients with non-metastatic disease had poor pathological features including node-positive in 244 (55.6%), GIII in 170 (38.7%) and lymphovascular invasion in 173 (39.4%). Patients were treated less aggressively; 144 (32.8%) patients with early-stage disease and 98 (86.0%) with metastatic disease never had chemotherapy. After a median follow up of 45 months, 5-year overall survival for the whole group was 67.6%. Survival was better for patients with non-metastatic disease (78.8% vs. 25.4%, P<0.001) and for those with node-negative compared to node-positive disease (85.4% vs. 74.1%, P=0.002). On Cox regression, only positive lymph nodes were associated with poor outcome in patients with non-metastatic disease (Hazard Ratio [HR], 1.75; 95% CI: 1.006-3.034, P=0.048). Conclusions : Older Jordanian women with breast cancer present with more aggressive features and advanced-stage disease that reflect poorly on treatment outcomes. Because of comorbidities and poor performance status, some patients were not aggressively treated.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 587-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Nahleh ◽  
R. Srikantiah ◽  
R. Komrokji ◽  
M. Safa ◽  
J. Pancoast ◽  
...  

587 Background: The incidence of MBC continues to rise. Few studies have addressed the differences between MBC and female breast cancer (FBC). Treatment for MBC has ben extrapolated from FBC regimens. The VA cancer registry (VACCR) provides a unique source to study MBC. This retrospective analysis aims at comparing the characteristics and outcome of MBC and FBC in the VA population. Methods: We reviewed the VACCR database between 1995 and 2005, for 120 VA medical centers. Primary breast cancer site codes were identified (500–508). Data was entered and analyzed using bio-statistical software SPSS. Results: A total of 3025 patients :612 MBC and 2413 FBC were compared. Mean age at diagnosis was 67 for MBC and 57 for FBC (p <0.005). More MBC patients were black. MBC patients presented with a significantly higher stage of disease, more node positive(N+) and larger tumor size. In MBC, ductal histology was more common while lobular and ductal carcinoma in situ were less common than in FBC. ER + and PR + tumors were significantly more common in MBC (60% vs 52% and 53% vs 47%, P< 0.005). MBC patients received less chemotherapy while no statistical difference in hormonal treatment was observed. The median overall survival (OS) was lower for MBC (7 years vs 9.8 years, p<0.005). OS was not significantly different for stage III and IV while OS was inferior for MBC in stage I (7 yr vs not reached, p 0.005) and stage II (6 vs 8.6yr, p 0.001). In N- tumors, OS was inferior in MBC (6.1 vs 14.6 yr, p<0.005) but not statistically different for N+ tumors . In ER + and PR + tumors, OS was inferior in MBC (7yr vs 8yr and 7.3 yr vs 9.8 yr p<0.005); however, no statistical significance was observed in ER - or PR - tumors. Using Cox regression analysis age, sex, clinical stage, nodal status were statistically independent prognostic factors while race, histology and grade were not. Conclusion: This study suggests differences in the biology, pathology, presentation, and survival between male and female VA breast cancer patients. Survival of MBC patients appears inferior in early stage disease and N- tumors suggesting gender differences in the tumor pathogenesis and biology. In hormone receptor + MBC, survival was also inferior despite similar hormonal treatment practices. This observational study calls for different approach and treatment strategies in MBC. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 180-180
Author(s):  
Lidia Schapira ◽  
Marcy Winget ◽  
Siqi WU ◽  
Jennifer Kim ◽  
Cati Brown-Johnson

180 Background: Prior research has identified barriers to provision of quality survivorship care in primary care settings such as lack of expert knowledge and training, primary care burden and insufficient communication with oncologists. We implemented a survivorship clinic at an academic medical center in the primary care division with the goal of defining the elements required for a seamless transition and co-management. Methods: The primary care physician received training in cancer survivorship based on the ASCO Curriculum, shadowing of 3 breast medical oncologists and 1 gynecologic oncologist, attendance at the 2018 Cancer Survivorship Symposium and NCCN’s Cancer Survivorship Advocacy Meeting. Patients with breast and gynecologic cancers were referred by their oncologists or APP (PA or NP) at various points in their cancer trajectory. Clinical characteristics of patients were abstracted from the electronic medical record and in-depth interviews were conducted with 2 patients. Results: 41 patients attended the survivorship clinic. The majority (88%) were breast (63%) or gynecologic (24%) cancer survivors. Patient age was evenly distributed with 8 age < 46, 11 age 46-59, and 7 age > = 60. 23 (56%) patients had stage < 3 at diagnosis. 21 (51%) had been cancer-free for five years + and 4 were referred by their oncologist to help with patient co-management during cancer treatment. Of the 8 breast cancer patients < 46 years old, 6 had a genetic mutation and 7 were interested in fertility. 15/26 breast cancer patients are currently on endocrine therapy. Interviewed patients expressed appreciation for receiving whole-person care and knowing there is bidirectional communication between clinicians. Conclusions: Cancer survivors are open to and interested in a survivorship visit based in a primary care clinic; this includes both patients who have been cancer-free > 5 years as well as those recently treated with curative intent. Greater efforts are needed to train primary care physicians to deliver survivorship visits that are customized to meet the needs of cancer survivors.


2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (139) ◽  
pp. 112-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prakash Sayami ◽  
B M Singh ◽  
Y Singh ◽  
R Timila ◽  
U Shrestha ◽  
...  

Retrospective analysis of 321 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in T. U Teaching Hospitalin a period of 10 years, from May, 1991 to April, 2000 was carried out. There were317 cases (98.8%) females and 4 cases males (1.2%). The youngest patient was 22year old female and oldest patient was 92 year old female. The most common agegroup according to frequency was in forties (34.6%) followed by in thirties (25.5 %).Mean duration of symptoms before coming to doctor was 8.3 months and mean size oftumor was 6 cm. Out of 317 females, 310(97.2%) were married and average numberof children was 3. Out of 289 cases diagnosed as malignancy with fine needle aspirationcytology (FNAC) 279 (96.5%) was also diagnosed as malignancy in biopsy and theremaining 10 cases as non malignant diseases were diagnosed as malignancy in biopsywith a false negative rate of 3.5%. The histological types of breast cancer cases wereInfiltrating Ductal Carcinoma 280 cases (87.2%), Medullary Carcinoma 11 cases(3.4%), Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma 5 cases (1.6%), Mucinous Carcinoma 4 cases(1.2%), Sarcoma 4 cases (1.2%), Squamous Cell Carcinoma 4 cases (1.2%), PapillaryCarcinoma 3 cases (0.9%), Tubular Carcinoma 2 cases, Adenosquamous Carcinoma2 cases (0.6%), Intraductal Carcinoma 2 cases (0.6%) and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma1 case. Out of 305 operated cases, the types of operation performed was ModifiedRadical Mastectomy in 208 cases (68 %) and palliative mastectomy in 72 cases (23.5%),only lumpectomy in 24 cases (7.9%) and others in 2 cases. Among 246 cases withavailable axillary lymph node biopsy, there was metastatic diseases in 146 cases (60%)of cases. The Breast cancer was diagnosed in advanced stages in 63% of cases. StageIIIA (24%), Stage IIIB (21.5%) and Stage IV (17.4%). Breast cancers were diagnosedin advanced stages in below 40 age group in 65 out of 90 cases (72.2 % ) comparedto137 out of 231 cases ( 59.3 % ) in above 40 age group.Key Words: Breast cancer, Advanced stage, FNAC, Surgery.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1504-1504 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. K. Kuhl ◽  
S. Schrading ◽  
E. Wardelmann ◽  
M. Braun ◽  
W. Kuhn ◽  
...  

1504 Background: Mammographic screening is considered the mainstay for diagnosing pre-invasive breast cancer (DCIS). However, (over)diagnosis of DCIS has become a major concern. We investigated the sensitivities of high-resolution MRI and of state-of-the-art mammography (Mx) for diagnosing pure DCIS, and compared the biologic profile of MRI-detected versus Mx-detected DCIS. Methods: Prospective study on 5960 consecutive women who were referred to a dedicated breast unit for screening or for diagnostic assessment. Women underwent bilateral mammography with at least 2 views, plus spot compression views where appropriate, and high-resolution bilateral MRI. A total 137 women received the final pathologic diagnosis of having DCIS (no invasion). Of these, 108 (79%) had been referred for regular screening, 14 (10%) for high risk screening, 10 (7%) for follow up after breast cancer, and 5 (4%) for clinical symptoms. We investigated the mode of detection, and the biologic profile of the DCIS (size, nuclear grading, ER/PR and HER2-receptor status). Results: Overall, Mx was positive in 79/137 patients (58%), MRI was positive in 123/137 (90%). In 68/137 (50%), Mx and MRI were concordantly positive. In 3/137 (2%), Mx and MRI were both false-negative. In 11/137 (8%), only Mx was positive, MRI was false- negative. In 55/137 (40%), only MRI was positive, Mx was false negative. Of the 11 DCIS which were only detected by Mx, 1 was high grade, none was ER negative or HER2 positive. Mean VNPI was 4.2. Of the 55 DCIS which were only MRI detected, 41 (78%) were high grade, 14 (27%) were ER negative, 17(33%) HER-2 positive. Mean VNPI was 6.5. Conclusions: Compared to mammography, MRI offers a significantly higher sensitivity for DCIS, in particular for DCIS with adverse biologic profile: Half of the high grade or HER2-positive DCIS were only MRI detected. In turn, DCIS which was only mammography detected had a relatively benign biologic profile. We propose that MRI is helpful for diagnosing biologically (i.e. possibly prognostically) relevant DCIS [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.


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