Missing a first breast cancer screening appointment may have long-term consequences far beyond what many women expect. A new study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has found that women who skip their initial mammogram face a 40% higher risk of dying from breast cancer over the following 25 years. This sobering statistic underscores the critical importance of early detection and consistent participation in breast screening programs.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, tracked data from approximately half a million women in Sweden who received their first screening invitation between 1991 and 2020. Researchers followed these women for up to 25 years, analyzing a range of factors including socioeconomic background, reproductive history, and overall health. Their findings revealed that nearly one in three women—32%—did not attend their first mammogram appointment.

Among those who missed that first screening, the breast cancer mortality rate was 9.9 deaths per 1,000 women over 25 years. For those who attended, the rate was significantly lower, at 7 deaths per 1,000 women. Interestingly, the overall rate of breast cancer diagnosis was similar between both groups, suggesting that the increased mortality was not due to a higher incidence of cancer, but rather to delayed detection and treatment.

The researchers emphasized that women who skipped their initial screening were also less likely to attend future screenings and more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. They concluded that early screening behavior could serve as a predictive marker for long-term outcomes, offering a valuable opportunity to identify at-risk populations well before adverse health events occur.

I found this detail striking: the impact of a single missed appointment can echo across decades. This highlights how preventive health measures, which may seem minor or optional in the moment, can play a pivotal role in long-term survival.

In a linked editorial, U.S. researchers echoed the significance of the findings. They noted that attending the first screening appointment is about “far more than a short-term health check.” While most women will not receive a cancer diagnosis at their first mammogram, the visit provides a crucial opportunity for education—on risk reduction, symptom awareness, and the importance of routine monitoring. The editorial described this early engagement as “a long-term investment in breast health and survival.”

Breast screening program eligibility varies by country. In England, for example, women are invited for screening from age 50 to 71, with the first invitation expected by age 53. According to the latest NHS data, as of March 2024, 70% of eligible women were up to date with their screenings. That means nearly one in three women were not, mirroring the participation gap observed in the Swedish study.

Claire Rowney, chief executive of the Breast Cancer Now charity, called the number of missed first appointments “worryingly high.” She urged immediate action to improve accessibility and encourage attendance, pointing out that early detection remains one of the most effective tools in reducing breast cancer mortality.

This study comes amid broader concerns about rising global cancer rates. Separate research published in The Lancet projects that annual global cancer deaths will climb nearly 75% by 2050, reaching 18.6 million. New cancer cases are expected to rise 61% to 30.5 million over the same period. While much of this increase is attributed to population growth and aging, researchers also noted that 42% of cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diets, high blood sugar, and exposure to environmental toxins.

There is, however, some hopeful news on the research front. Scientists have recently identified a potential drug target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. A study published in Nature revealed that blocking a protein known as SPP1 could prevent the cancer from spreading and potentially increase survival time. Professor Axel Behrens of the Institute of Cancer Research in London described the discovery as a promising step toward developing treatments that could help patients live longer and with better quality of life.

While breakthroughs like these offer hope for the future, the findings from the Karolinska Institute serve as a reminder that some of the most effective cancer-fighting tools are already within reach. Attending a first breast screening may seem routine, but it can lay the foundation for better outcomes for decades to come. As health systems continue to evolve and expand access, the focus must remain on encouraging early engagement, particularly among those most at risk of falling through the cracks.

Read more at theguardian.com