A woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer has been reduced from 30% to 63% because of regular mammography screening, according to a study to be published in the May issue of Cancer.
The latest analysis of the Swedish mammography trials tracked women, ages 40 to 69, between 1988 and 1996 who received regular mammograms. Previous research included data that was collected before the 1980s, when mammography became routine, or did not filter out women whose cancer was detected before the screening trial.
Robert Smith, Ph.D, director of cancer screening for the American Cancer Society, said that he hoped the significant reduction in risk would refute other studies that have questioned the value of mammography . Most recently, Canadian researchers posited that a good clinical exam may be enough for women ages 50 to 59, because mammography did not significantly affect mortality in that age group.
Smith presented the study results at the ACS-sponsored Science Writers Seminar in Dana Point, CA.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersApril 24, 2001
Related Reading
Distance from home influences use of free mammography services, April 24, 2001
Canadian breast screening study draws praise and anger, September 29, 2000
Mammography offers no survival advantage over annual breast examination, September 20, 2000
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