As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, the pink ribbons remind us that early detection saves lives. Yet, many women still delay or skip their first mammogram, a decision that could prove deadly.
A long-term Swedish study published in the scientific journal BMJ found that women who missed their first breast cancer screening were up to 40% more likely to die from the disease.
With over 430 000 women tracked over a period of 25 years, the findings make breast cancer screening in South Africa, especially your first mammogram, more crucial than ever.
BREAST CANCER SCREENING: WHAT THE STUDY FOUND
Researchers from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet found that nearly one in three women (32%) did not attend their first mammogram invitation. Those who did were not only less likely to go to future screenings but were also diagnosed with more advanced cancers later on.
Here is what the data revealed:
- Stage III cancers were about 1.5 times more likely in women who skipped screening.
- Stage IV cancers were 3.6 times more likely.
- Overall mortality was 40% higher among women who missed that first mammogram.
The number of cancer cases was almost identical between women who attended and those who did not, meaning it wasn’t about getting cancer more often, but about catching it too late.
Your first mammogram sets a baseline image that helps doctors detect tiny changes in breast tissue later. Without it, early warning signs can go unnoticed, and that can make all the difference.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR BREAST CANCER SCREENING IN SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa. Sadly, many cases are still detected late, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare.
By booking their first mammogram at age 40, women can improve their odds of early detection and effective treatment.
Screening guidelines:
- Ages 40–54: every year
- Ages 55 and older: every two years, or annually if preferred and healthy
- High-risk women (family history, BRCA genes, prior chest radiation): start earlier, often from age 30–35
Your first mammogram sets a baseline that helps doctors spot subtle changes later. Skipping it increases the risk of missing early warning signs, and that’s what makes the study’s findings so significant.
South African researchers have also identified unique genetic patterns in black women, underlining why early and regular screening is even more essential. If you are still nervous, here is what to expect during your first mammogram.
The new BMJ research proves that missing your first breast cancer screening raises your risk of dying from the disease. For South African women, where late diagnosis is common, making that first appointment could literally save your life.
