Variation in Receipt of Cancer Screening and Immunizations by 10-year Life Expectancy among U.S. Adults aged 65 or Older in 2019

Development and Evaluation of Messages for Reducing Overscreening of Breast Cancer in Older Women

“…On the other hand, the balance of the benefits and harms of breast cancer screening shifts during a woman’s life course. In older women with multiple serious illnesses, functional impairment, and limited life expectancy, the harms of screening likely outweigh the benefits and there is suggestion of overscreening in such older women 3,4,6,9–12 . National guidelines recommend against routine screening for breast cancer in older women using age or life expectancy thresholds (ie, ≥age 75 or <10-year life expectancy) 13–15 .…”

“…National guidelines recommend against routine screening for breast cancer in older women using age or life expectancy thresholds (ie, ≥age 75 or <10-year life expectancy) 13–15 . However, many of these women continue to be screened 9–12 . For example, a national study showed that 50.6% of women ages 75+ and 42.8% of women with life expectancy <10 years had breast cancer screening in the previous 2 years, suggesting overscreening 10 .…”

“…However, many of these women continue to be screened 9–12 . For example, a national study showed that 50.6% of women ages 75+ and 42.8% of women with life expectancy <10 years had breast cancer screening in the previous 2 years, suggesting overscreening 10 . Estimated Medicare spending was $2.44 billion annually in 2006–2007 for screening, downstream testing, and treatment of breast cancers in women 65 years and older 16 .…”