Women skipping first breast cancer screening face 40% higher death risk
Missing first mammogram linked to higher breast cancer death risk in Swedish study.
Why it matters
- Early detection reduces breast cancer mortality.
- Missing first screening increases death risk by 40%.
By the numbers
- 500,000 women monitored over 25 years.
- 32% missed first mammogram.
- 9.9 deaths per 1,000 non-attendees vs. 7 deaths per 1,000 attendees.
The big picture
- Delayed detection likely cause of higher mortality.
- Similar overall cancer rates between groups.
What they're saying
- Experts say first screening is a long-term health investment.
- Personal stories emphasize importance of regular screenings.
Caveats
- Observational study; causation not proven.
- Findings specific to Sweden’s healthcare system.
What’s next
- Strategies to boost first screening attendance.