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Implementation of breast cancer screening.
1University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Current Opinion in Radiology
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Mammography reduces breast cancer mortality in women over 50. Further research is needed on breast physical and self-examination efficacy, with ongoing debate on routine mammography for younger women.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Radiology
Background:
- Breast cancer screening methods include mammography, breast physical examination, and breast self-examination.
- Mammography has proven mortality reduction in women over 50, but data for physical and self-examination are limited.
- Ongoing discussions exist regarding routine mammography for women under 50 and optimal screening intervals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different breast cancer screening modalities.
- To address the controversy surrounding mammographic screening for younger women.
- To highlight the role of primary care physicians in breast cancer screening.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized trials on mammography screening.
- Mention of ongoing World Health Organization trials for breast self-examination.
- Consideration of cost-effectiveness and efficiency in mammographic services.
Main Results:
- Mammography demonstrated a reduction in breast cancer mortality for women aged 50 and above.
- Data on the efficacy of breast physical examination and breast self-examination are still being gathered.
- Cost concerns for mammography can be mitigated by improving service efficiency and reducing false positives.
Conclusions:
- Primary care physicians play a crucial role in reducing breast cancer mortality through screening referrals and physical examinations.
- Further data are anticipated from studies like the Canadian National Breast Screening Study and WHO trials.
- Optimizing mammography services can address cost concerns and improve screening effectiveness.