Population-based cohort study of first mammography screening participation and breast cancer incidence and mortality in subsequent 25 years

A population-based cohort study in Sweden found that women who did not attend their first mammography screening invitation (32.1%) had a long term risk of poor screening adherence. These women had increased risk of being diagnosed with stage III breast cancer (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.24-1.88) and stage IV breast cancer (3.61; 2.79-4.68). Non-participation at first screening was also associated with significantly higher breast cancer mortality (aHR 1.40; 95% CI 1.26-1.55). The authors conclude that this study shows that first screening non-participants are at elevated risk of being diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer and dying from breast cancer.