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Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley
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- Is mammography
worthwhile
- Monday, March 04, 2002
- The recent controversy about the value of mammograms
was triggered by an article in The Lancet (a British medical publication)
from October 20, 2001. The authors reviewed previously published studies
which evaluated the benefits of screening mammograms and concluded "There
is no reliable evidence that screening (mammograms) for breast cancer reduces
mortality."
Although most people assume the authors are referring to breast cancer
mortality, they are, in fact, referring to all causes of death. Of the
1.9 million women who die in this country each year, only 39,000 die of
breast cancer. The effectiveness of screening mammograms and breast examinations
may have an effect on death from breast cancer, but would not be expected
to significantly impact death from all other causes.
Breast cancer cure has been repeatedly related to its size and stage at
the time of diagnosis. The smallest and least serious form of breast cancer
is called Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. This non-invasive breast cancer used
to make up less than 1% of all breast cancers diagnosed in this country.
Since the advent of screening mammograms and regular breast examinations,
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (which carries a cure rate of over 95%) now makes
up over 30% of all breast cancers diagnosed annually.
Women over 50 are advised to continue the practice of annual screening
mammogramsand breast examinations. Women between 40 and 50 should discuss
this issue with their physicians.