Changes in U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations: Effect on mammography screening in Olmsted County, MN 2004-2013

Objective: We assessed changes in adherence to screening mammography recommendations with the introduction of the new U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations in 2009. Methods: Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project data linkage system, we examined mammography screening from 2004 to 2013 in 31,377 women 40. years of age and older residing in Olmsted County, MN before and after the 2009 change in recommendations. Chi-square was used to compare screening rates before and after changes in recommendations overall, by age group, and by baseline adherence. Results: Among women 40 years and older, declines in screening were observed: 69% of the population was adherent in 2004-2005, 61% in 2006-2009 and 53% in 2010-2013. Absolute decreases in screening were observed from pre- to post-change for those ages 40-49 (4%), 50-74 (9%), and those 75. + (19%, all p. <. 0.0001). Relative declines in screening rates were observed among women aged 70-74 years who were non-adherent at baseline and among women who were adherent at baseline, overall, and in each age group (all p. <. .001). Conclusions: Declines in screening, both absolute and relative, were most pronounced among women who were adherent at baseline. Research is needed to assess factors that influence screening in the context of evolving recommendations.