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– Missing the mammography screening immediately prior to breast cancer diagnosis leads to larger, more advanced tumors and worse breast cancer-specific survival.
– Nonparticipation in the immediate past screening correlates with increased risk of lymph node involvement and distant metastases.
– Tumor receptor profiles differ minimally except for a lower likelihood of estrogen receptor-negative tumors in nonparticipants.
– The association between past screening nonattendance and survival is mediated by tumor characteristics, underscoring delayed detection as a critical factor.
– Advancing mammography invitation dates may be a strategy to improve early detection and outcomes in this population.
