According to a recent study published in the Journal of Medical Screening, a mammographic diagnosis of breast cancer saves the lives of at least seven out of a thousand women tested.
Mammography detects dangerous tumors, increasing the chances of survival, and benign formations, which basically do not threaten life, but expose women to unnecessary worries, increased exposure and a variety of surgical procedures. For this reason, many women shy away from early breast diagnosis.
The effectiveness of screening programs across the continent was analyzed in a number of studies, as a result of which scientists found that mammography does more good than harm: 7-9 saved lives for every 1000 women examined, and only in four cases the diagnosis is not confirmed.
Professor Steven Duffy of the University of London, one of the leading researchers, believes that screening services are only beneficial. "The number of saved lives is twice the number of unconfirmed diagnoses, and this is a good ratio," he said. “Mammography not only saves lives today or tomorrow, it saves lives 10-20 years before the disease can manifest itself.”
A joint statement by Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign charities said: "This comprehensive and impressive study confirms the widespread belief that mammograms save lives by helping to detect breast cancer at an early stage."
Scientists unanimously believe that women should receive the most comprehensive information about both the potential benefits of mammography screening and its potential risks. In any case, they advise all issues to be discussed with the doctor.
