Women missing first breast cancer screening face higher risk, study finds

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – A recent study has found that women who missed their first breast cancer screening appointment may face a 40 percent higher long-term risk of dying from the disease.

The study analyzed data from a Swedish mammogram screening program and the National Health Registry, focusing on over 433,000 women in Stockholm from 1991 to 2020.

The findings revealed that approximately 32 percent of women invited to their first screening chose not to attend. These women were also less likely to participate in future screenings, which correlated with a higher risk of mortality from breast cancer.

The study emphasizes the importance of attending initial and subsequent screenings to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer.