A study published on June 10, 2024, in *JAMA Network Open* by researchers from the American Cancer Society (ACS), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, found that nearly half of US women misunderstand current breast cancer screening guidelines. Analyzing data from 2577 women aged 40-74 from the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey, the study revealed that 49.9% incorrectly believed annual mammograms are recommended for all average-risk women.
The research further indicated that 38.1% of women thought annual screening was recommended for those aged 40-49, and only 37.9% correctly understood that guidelines are debated and involve both benefits and harms. This misunderstanding was particularly high among Hispanic women (75.4%), those with lower income (75.1%), and individuals with less education (72.6%). Contributing to the confusion are differing recommendations from major organizations; for example, the ACS suggests annual screening for average-risk women starting at 40-44 or 45-54, while the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screening for women aged 40-74.
The study authors stressed the need for improved communication strategies to better inform women about the complexities of breast cancer screening. Co-author Dr. Ilana Richman stated that 'it can be really challenging for individual patients and their clinicians to navigate these guidelines and make decisions,' highlighting the difficulty women face in making informed health choices due to conflicting and misunderstood information.
