Effect of comorbidities on screening mammography in women over 70 years of age

1017 Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in older women. Women over 70 years of age have low rates of screening mammography. While older age is one of the most important factor, the literature is inconclusive about the influence of co-morbid conditions on screening mammography. Methods: Subjects were 329 consecutive women over age 70 seen in a University-based Geriatric Assessment Clinic between 01/98–12/01. Assessment included a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), measure of depression both by patient and their caregivers, and several other illnesses which included: diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, respiratory illnesses, vision and hearing disorders, and musculoskeletal impairment. Results: Of the 329 subjects 35 had a prior history of breast cancer and/or bilateral mastectomies and were excluded from further analysis. While 32% of subjects had mammography in the year prior to th...