Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Experiences and needs of BreastScreen NSW staff for communicating with older women about cessation of breast screening invitations (146338)

Jenna Smith 1 , Nehmat Houssami 2 , Wendy Vincent 3 , Trudy Phelps 4 , Anthea Temple 4 , Bronwyn Morley 4 , Ashleigh R Sharman 1 , Kirsten McCaffery 1
  1. Sydney Health Literacy Lab, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a partnership with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. BreastScreen, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. BreastScreen NSW, Cancer Institute NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Aims: Australia’s national breast cancer screening program (BreastScreen) ceases routine invitations at the age of 74 years because the balance of benefits and harms beyond this age remains uncertain. However, this policy may be perceived by some women as ageist. It is unclear whether and how BreastScreen staff communicate with older clients about the recommendations. This study aims to explore BreastScreen NSW staff experiences and needs when discussing why screening invitations cease at age 74.

Methods: An online mixed-methods survey was conducted of BreastScreen NSW staff at three Local Health Districts. The lead researcher presented the study to BreastScreen service directors, who had administrative assistants disseminate the survey. Questions covered experiences discussing why screening invitations cease with older clients and any needs for support. Descriptive (quantitative data) and content analyses (qualitative data) were conducted.

Results: 38 responses were analysed (21 receptionists, 14 radiographers, 2 radiologists, 1 nurse). Over half (n=20) ‘always’ checked that it is an older client’s last invited appointment and two-thirds (n=25) ‘often’/‘always’ had clients ask whether to screen beyond 74 years. When explaining why screening invitations cease, staff emphasised that clients are welcome to attend for free beyond 74 years rather than stating reasons why they stop. When responding to clients wanting support, staff encouraged continued screening, directed clients to speak with their GP, or emphasised personal choice. Staff needs for support included information to give clients (e.g., pamphlet/brochure, FAQs, QR code), clear evidence-based messaging from Cancer Institute NSW, system alerts and scripts.

Conclusions: BreastScreen NSW staff emphasised that clients could continue screening beyond 74 years and encouraged them to speak with their GP. Evidence-based information resources should be developed and offered within BreastScreen services to support consistent communication by BreastScreen staff and shared decision making between older women and their GPs regarding ongoing breast cancer screening.