Mammographic characteristics of breast cancer in women over 60 years: a retrospective study in a Mexican population

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide and one of the leading causes of death, especially in women over 60 years of age. Early detection in this population remains a challenge, since clinical presentation is often nonspecific and screening mammography is underused. This research aimed to describe the mammographic characteristics of breast cancer in women over 60 years and to evaluate the contribution of screening mammography to early detection. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study at the Hospital Regional “Ignacio Zaragoza” ISSSTE in Mexico City. Medical records of women over 60 years with histopathologically confirmed breast cancer diagnosed between January and December 2023 were reviewed. Fifty-five cases met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 68.2 years. Most patients (65.5%) were between 60 and 70 years old. Detection was achieved by diagnostic mammography in 65.5% of cases and by screening mammography in 34.5%. The most frequent findings were irregular nodules (50.9%) and spiculated nodules (49.1%). Calcifications were classified as pleomorphic (38.2%), amorphous (21.8%), linear-branching (21.8%) and heterogeneous (18.2%). According to BI-RADS, 36.4% were category 5, 34.5% category 4b, 18.2% category 4c and 10.9% category 4a. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common histological subtype (60%), followed by ductal carcinoma in situ (16.4%). Advanced-stage tumors accounted for 47.3% of cases. Screening mammography was more likely to detect in situ and early-stage cancers, while diagnostic mammography identified mostly advanced tumors. This study highlights the importance of strengthening screening programs in older women to increase early detection, reduce complications, and improve survival and quality of life.