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Will screening mammography in the East do more harm than good?
Gabriel M Leung1, Tai-Hing Lam, Thuan Q Thach
1Department of Community Medicine, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Hong Kong. gmleung@hku.hk
American Journal of Public Health
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Evidence for population-based mammography screening in Chinese populations is insufficient. The study found mammography did not significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in low-prevalence Asian populations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mammography screening is a key strategy for breast cancer early detection.
- Its effectiveness in Asian populations, particularly those with lower breast cancer prevalence, requires systematic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence for population-based mammography screening in Chinese populations.
- To assess the impact of mammography on breast cancer mortality and screening efficiency in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of primary reports was conducted.
- Searches were performed in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library.
- Key outcomes included breast cancer mortality, number needed to screen (NNS), and positive predictive value.
Main Results:
- The pooled relative risk for breast cancer death in screened groups was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.90).
- For Hong Kong, the NNS to prevent one death was calculated as 1,302 women screened annually for 10 years.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to support population-based mammography screening for women in Hong Kong.
- This conclusion extends to other Asian populations with low breast cancer prevalence due to similar epidemiological factors.