Routine invitation of women aged 65-69 for breast cancer screening: results of first year of pilot study

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
See p 376 and Editorial by Werneke and McPherson Evidence from Sweden shows that screening for breast cancer is as effective in reducing mortality from the disease in women aged 65-69 as it is in women aged 50-64.1 However, although the British government's Forrest report recognised that older women were more likely to develop breast cancer, it recommended that they should not be routinely invited for screening because of low cost effectiveness from a likely low uptake and shorter life expectancy.2 Instead women over 64 years are entitled to self refer every three years — although few do so.3 A three-centre pilot study was established in which women aged 65-69 are routinely invited for breast screening. This study investigates the problems of extending the programme to this age group, and cost effectiveness. Based on the results a policy decision should be possible. The East Sussex service started inviting …