Reducing unnecessary mammograms for older adults in primary care
De-implementation of Mammography Overuse in Primary Care Settings
This project tries ways to stop or cut back routine mammograms for people aged 75 and older so screening matches their health, life expectancy, and wishes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146353 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are 75 or older and getting routine mammograms, this project will test ways to stop or reduce screenings that may no longer help you. Researchers will work with doctors, clinics, and the health system in New York City to try changes like altering reminders, changing clinic practices, and improving how screening options are explained. They will gather input and data from patients, providers, and administrators and then pilot tailored strategies across clinics. The aim is to make screening decisions reflect each person's health, life expectancy, and personal preferences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 75 or older who receive routine mammography through primary care, including those with multiple health problems or limited life expectancy.
Not a fit: People under 75, those at high lifetime risk of breast cancer, or anyone needing diagnostic mammography for symptoms are unlikely to benefit from this de-implementation work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce unneeded mammograms, lowering false positives, anxiety, and unnecessary follow-up while focusing care on tests that better match each patient's health goals.
How similar studies have performed: De-implementation is a relatively new area with limited prior trials, though related efforts to reduce low-value cancer screening have shown some success using changes to reminders and patient communications.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tehranifar, Parisa — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Tehranifar, Parisa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.