Project 1

Interval breast cancer from the Women’s Health Initiative Data

In this study using data from the Women’s Health Initiative, a national study among postmenopausal women, interval breast cancers diagnosed within 1 year from a mammogram with negative results were associated with worse breast cancer–specific mortality compared with breast cancers detected by screening.

Interval cancers occurring <1 year following negative screening mammogram had: Larger Size, Later Stage, More Lymph Node involvement, and Worse breast cancer–specific mortality compared with breast cancers detected by screening.

Mortality remained statistically significantly higher after adjustment for trial group, molecular subtype, other risk factors, histologic characteristics, and either tumor size or lymph node but not when tumor size and lymph node were included in the model; no differences were observed between interval cancers diagnosed between 1 and 2.5 years from a mammogram with negative results and breast cancers detected by screening. Interval cancers occurring within 1 year from a mammogram with negative results may have a unique biology that accounts for aggressive features.

See full publication: Comparison of Mortality Among Participants of Women’s Health Initiative Trials With Screening-Detected Breast Cancers vs Interval Breast Cancers

Project 2

Interviews with women who experienced an interval breast cancer

Our qualitative study heard from women with interval breast cancer to describe their symptoms and their reactions to the diagnosis; and identify themes for educational messaging.

We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with participants who were between the ages 40-69, had all screening, diagnostic and treatment services completed within the same hospital system, and had a negative mammogram screen followed by breast cancer diagnosis before the next screen.

The cancers were all first discovered by the woman. Seventy-five percent of women noticed a lump cyst during a self-breast exam or when dressing. Most women reached out to their gynecologist or their primary care provider.

Main themes from their reactions to the diagnosis included: unaware that interval breast cancers could occur; surprised that screening tools could not see all cancer; worried to being seen as ridiculous based on previous experience with non-cancerous breast issues, and disappointed that they waited to reach out for care. Ideas for messaging included: listen to your body, prioritize your health, and keep doing self-breast exams. Breast cancer prevention programs should focus on the awareness of interval breast cancers and the importance of self-breast exams and self-awareness in conjunction with screening mammograms.

See full publication: “Screening isn’t Your Ticket to Vacation”: In-depth Interviews With Women in the United States Who Experienced an Interval Breast Cancer