Every October we see pink ribbons, campaigns, and fundraisers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They are important. But what matters even more is clear information so women over 60 and their caregivers can make empowered choices. If you or a loved one is 60, 70, or older, here is what you should know about breast cancer screening, mammograms, and early detection.
Why Breast Cancer Screening Still Matters After 60**
Breast cancer does not only affect younger women. A significant proportion of cases occur in women over age 65. As people live longer and healthier lives, breast cancer risk remains. Some assume that because they’ve reached a certain age, the risk drops dramatically. It does not. Early detection saves lives, improves treatment options, and often reduces the physical, emotional, and financial cost of aggressive therapies.
What Are the Current Guidelines for Mammograms
Medical organizations update their guidance from time to time. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends that women of average risk begin mammograms every two years from age 40 through age 74.
For women 75 and older, evidence is less clear. The USPSTF says there is not enough data to say whether the benefits outweigh the risks in all cases. For many women, whether to continue screening depends on overall health, past screening history or evidence of cancer, life expectancy, personal values and their health care providers recommendations.
Other organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, recommend that if a woman is in good health and expected to live at least ten more years, screening might continue after age 75 after discussing risks and benefits with her health care provider.
Understanding the Trade-Offs
Screening every other year from 40 to 74 appears to reduce deaths from breast cancer with moderate risks of harm. Harms can include false positives, anxiety, additional tests (like biopsies) for findings that turn out benign, and treatment of slow-growing disease that might never have caused harm. Women over 60 may feel these harms more acutely if follow-up is more difficult or overall health is more fragile.
This is why understanding your own risk, health status, and preferences matters. If someone has serious comorbidities, limited mobility, or impaired life expectancy, screening might have different value. If someone is healthy, lives independently, and values early detection, screening is more likely to be worthwhile.
What Women Over 60 and Caregivers Should Talk About
Here are some key points for discussion with health care providers:
- What is your risk (family history of breast cancer, genetic predisposition, breast density, prior radiation exposure).
- What is your current health, mobility, and other medical conditions.
- What are the possible harms (unnecessary biopsies, anxiety, travel for appointments) and can you manage them.
- What will you do if the screening finds something? Is treatment acceptable at your age and health status.
- Is there a mammography facility convenient, accessible, and one you trust.
Steps You Can Take Now
- If you are between age 40 and 74 and haven’t had a mammogram in two years, schedule one.
- If you are 75 or older, but feeling healthy and active, have a conversation with your doctor about whether to continue screening. Do not dismiss the idea because of age alone.
- For caregivers, help with scheduling, transportation, and comfort during the appointment. Having someone accompany the person to ask questions, understand results, and follow up makes a big difference.
- Stay alert for changes in the breast: lumps, skin changes, unusual discharge, or persistent pain. Even in later life, these symptoms warrant attention.
Noble Horizons’ Commitment
At Noble Horizons we believe in supporting not only quality of life, but informed life. We are here to help women over 60 and their families access accurate information, to guide conversations with medical providers, and to offer care and compassion no matter the stage. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that knowledge, early detection, and strong support networks make a difference.
**This article should not be construed as medical advice. For information about Breast Cancer and/or Mammography please contact a licensed health care provider.