Is Mammography Useful in Older Women.
Abstract
The usefulness of mammography to screen for breast cancer in women over 70 years of age is unknown, despite the fact that approximately 43% of all breast cancers occur in this age group. No previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) addressed women in this age group. Current guidelines on screening are therefore conflicting. Without clear evidence, the usefulness of the mammograms currently performed on 15-36% of women over age 70 is unknown. Current mammography practice patterns and the costs associated with RCTs make it unlikely that a RCT will be conducted in women over age 70. Therefore, alternative data sources must be used to address this critical question. We present the use of an administrative utilization database linked to breast cancer outcomes to examine the usefulness of mammography in women age 70 and older. We will use the Linked Medicare-SEER Tumor Registry Database, created by the National Cancer Institute and the Health Care Financing Administration, that contains data on 10,611 women diagnosed with breast cancer from January 1,1987 to December 31, 1993 to describe prior mammography utilization, stage at diagnosis and survival among women age 6769, 70-74, 75-84, and 85+. We have completed the creation of the analytic file, and examined prior mammography use. We have also described stage at analysis using Historical Staging System, and done initial analyses to relate mammography use to stage at diagnosis and survival.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA352320
Entities
People
- Karen M. Freund
Organizations
- Boston Medical Center