Many breast cancer survivors in countries like the United States are advised to undergo annual mammograms indefinitely to keep track of any potential return of cancer.
However, a recent comprehensive study conducted in the United Kingdom suggests that less frequent screening could be just as effective.
This approach aims to alleviate the anxiety experienced by patients during yearly screenings and reduce healthcare costs associated with frequent testing.
Dr. Janet Dunn, who led the study at the University of Warwick, funded by the UK’s National Health Service, explained that, until now, there hasn’t been solid evidence to determine when women can safely reduce the frequency of their mammograms.
The study’s primary focus was on breast cancer survivors aged 50 and older.
The study’s key finding was that less frequent mammograms (not annually) provide outcomes just as satisfactory as the traditional yearly schedule for breast cancer survivors in this age group.
Dr. Dunn emphasized that the primary goal is to provide these women with reassurance earlier in their post-cancer journey.
The study, which has not yet undergone a full peer review, involved over 5,200 women, all aged 50 and older, who had previously undergone successful breast cancer surgeries, primarily lumpectomies.
After three years of annual screenings, half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive mammograms every year, while the other half received less frequent screenings.
Both groups exhibited similar results, with a remarkable 95% of participants remaining cancer-free six years later. Furthermore, the survival rate for breast cancer in both groups was an impressive 98%.
Leading breast cancer specialist Dr. Laura Esserman from the University of California, San Francisco, who was not part of the study, described these findings as “eye-opening” and believes they will surprise many.
However, she also stressed the need for further research before changing existing U.S. guidelines.
According to Corinne Leach from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, who led the development of the 2015 U.S. guidelines, a single study is typically insufficient to prompt guideline changes.
Leach believes that this study will inspire further research in this area, which could eventually lead to guideline adjustments.
Most participants in both groups adhered to their assigned screening schedules during the study. Some individuals in the annual screening group missed screenings, while some in the less frequent group were screened ahead of schedule.
Surprisingly, when the researchers examined the results based on actual screening adherence, the conclusions remained consistent.
Dr. Dunn pointed out that breast cancer survivors can experience a sense of relief three years after their surgery as they transition to less frequent mammograms.
She believes that these findings will likely influence breast cancer screening practices in the UK and may have a global impact.
The frequency of mammograms in the less-frequent group depended on the type of surgery the women had undergone.
Those who had mastectomies underwent mammograms once every three years, while those who had lumpectomies (also known as breast conservation surgery) had mammograms every two years.
It’s essential to note that these findings do not apply to younger breast cancer survivors, who tend to have more aggressive cancers and were excluded from the study. Additionally, women who have undergone a double mastectomy do not require mammograms.
In summary, this groundbreaking study suggests that less frequent mammograms could provide breast cancer survivors aged 50 and older with similar outcomes while reducing anxiety and healthcare costs.
Although it may not immediately change guidelines, it has the potential to influence future research and screening practices for breast cancer survivors worldwide, emphasizing the need for a more personalized approach to screening.
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