Delayed Mammograms Linked to Higher Breast Cancer Mortality
Incidence rates were similar between participants and non-participants, showing diagnosis timing is critical.
Non-participants had 9.9 vs 7 deaths per 1,000 over 25 years; stage III/IV risks 1.5/3.6 times higher.
Researchers recommend targeting missed first-screening women to reduce deaths; urge clinicians to communicate benefits and invest in mammography.
32% of 433,000 Stockholm women missed first mammogram, with higher later screening misses.