Key Takeaways

Mammograms in women over 80 are linked to earlier breast cancer detection and longer survivalScreened women had a 55% lower risk of cancer returning and a 74% lower risk of deathThe findings suggest that guidelines should consider extending screening beyond age 74

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 24, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Though most guidelines recommend mammograms up to age 74, new research suggests they can be valuable for women in their 80s, detecting breast cancer earlier and increasing chances of survival.

The research — published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology — reviewed medical records of 174 women aged 80 and older treated for breast cancer at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) between 2013 and 2020.

Those who had mammograms within two years of their diagnosis

See Full Page