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Mass screening for breast cancer: benefits, risks, costs
1National Institute of Radiation Protection, Stockholm, Sweden.
Medical Oncology and Tumor Pharmacotherapy
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Breast cancer screening using mammography can significantly reduce mortality in middle-aged women. However, potential risks from radiation exposure, especially in younger women, necessitate optimized screening programs for maximum benefit.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among middle-aged women globally.
- Mass health screening is generally of questionable value, but targeted programs like breast cancer screening show promise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits and risks of mammography screening for breast cancer.
- To determine if optimized screening programs can outweigh potential radiation-induced cancer risks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from breast cancer screening programs in Sweden.
- Assessment of mortality reduction and quality of life improvements in screened populations.
- Evaluation of potential risks of radiogenic cancers from radiation exposure.
Main Results:
- Properly conducted mammography screening in Sweden reduced breast cancer mortality by approximately one-third.
- Screening can lead to a better quality of life for treated cancer patients.
- Potential for radiation-induced cancers, though estimated to be low (1 in 10,000) with optimized programs, must be considered.
Conclusions:
- Well-designed and optimized mammography screening programs are justified and can be beneficial.
- Optimization of screening design, technique, staff competence, and organization is crucial.
- An optimized program is projected to save one life per 100 screened individuals while minimizing radiation risks.