Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Mammograms and Breast Health for Older Women

Every October, pink ribbons appear as a reminder of the ongoing fight against breast cancer. We see community walks, fundraising events, and public messages urging women to schedule their mammograms. But while much of the conversation centers on women in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s, there’s an important group that often gets overlooked — women in their 70s, 80s, and beyond.

What happens when the standard screening guidelines no longer seem to apply? How do older women decide whether to continue mammograms? And what role does health, longevity, and personal preference play in those choices?

In this article, we explore how mammogram screening changes with age and how BrightStar Care of South Bucks and Southeast Montgomery Counties can support women through each step of the process.

Why the Question Matters: Health Over Age

For decades, women have been encouraged to start regular mammograms by age 40 or 50 and continue every one to two years. But as women age, the benefits and risks of screening begin to shift. The focus turns less on age itself and more on overall health, life expectancy, and personal goals.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) currently recommends mammograms every two years for women between 40 and 74 who are at average risk. Beyond age 75, however, the evidence is less clear — meaning the decision to continue screening becomes a personal one.

Other organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, suggest that women over 75 may continue regular mammograms if they are in good health and are expected to live 10 or more years.

The reason for this shift is that mammograms are most effective for women between ages 40 and 74. After that, they are more likely to detect slow-growing or non-aggressive cancers that may never become life-threatening. This introduces the risk of overdiagnosis, finding and treating conditions that might not have caused harm.

Some studies even show little to no reduction in breast cancer mortality when screening continues past age 75, particularly for women with other serious health conditions.

So, for older women, the real question isn’t “Should I get a mammogram?” but rather “Should I get one now, given my health, risks, and preferences?”

Key Factors to Consider

If you or a loved one are in your mid-70s, 80s, or beyond, here are the most important considerations for making informed decisions about screening:

• Overall health and chronic conditions: If serious illnesses such as heart or lung disease shorten life expectancy, the potential downsides of screening — anxiety, false positives, or unnecessary treatment — may outweigh the benefits.
• Life expectancy horizon: Women who are likely to live another 10 years or more may still gain meaningful benefit from continued screening.
• Risk factors: Family history, genetic predispositions, or prior breast conditions may warrant continued surveillance.
• Willingness to pursue treatment: Ask whether you’d want surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy if a new cancer were found.
• Ability to undergo follow-up care: Consider how easily you can handle biopsies, imaging, or medical procedures if screening finds something that needs further testing.

Ultimately, the goal is to make a shared decision with your healthcare provider, one that reflects your current health, priorities, and comfort level.

What Screening Looks Like After 75

Screening for older adults often becomes less about schedules and more about awareness. While some women may choose to continue routine mammograms, others might focus on:

• Noticing new breast changes or symptoms, such as lumps, skin dimpling, or discharge.
• Maintaining “breast awareness”, being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and reporting changes promptly.
• Staying engaged in regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to discuss whether screening still aligns with your goals.

Even if formal guidelines shift, staying alert to bodily changes remains essential at every age.

What You Can Do Now

If you’re 65, 75, or older, consider using October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a reminder to:

• Have an open conversation with your primary care provider or breast specialist about whether continued mammograms make sense for you.
• Ask about your overall health outlook, family history, and what you would want if a diagnosis were found.
• Stay proactive about any breast changes, even small ones.
• Keep your loved ones and caregivers informed about your preferences, so your support team can help you follow through.

How BrightStar Care Supports Women’s Health

While BrightStar Care of South Bucks and Southeast Montgomery Counties doesn’t perform mammograms or diagnose cancer, our team plays an important role in supporting clients through every step of their health journey.

• Health management and coordination: We help arrange transportation to screening appointments and follow-up visits, ensuring no one misses an important step.
• Reminders and advocacy: Caregivers can help clients remember appointments, prepare questions for their doctor, and feel supported during visits.
• Post-diagnosis support: For those navigating treatment or recovery, our nurses and caregivers can assist with medication reminders, wound care, and monitoring side effects.
• Emotional comfort and companionship: Sometimes, the most meaningful support is simply having someone by your side.

At BrightStar Care, we believe that health decisions are deeply personal and that compassionate, reliable care at home helps make those decisions easier to manage.

BrightStar Care® is Here to Help

At BrightStar Care® of South Bucks and Southeast Montgomery Counties, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services that enrich the quality of life for those who need care from the comfort of their home. We strive to provide the full continuum of care to our community while keeping our focus on offering a higher standard of care. Offering unparalleled support for our local healthcare system while providing a variety of high-quality, compassionate care, we work to give our clients the best lives possible while also strengthening the broader community. Contact us through our website or call 215.750.8802, so that we can help you find the right support to fit your unique needs.