The proven reliability of mammography screening

Abstract

In summary, the scientific trials have repeatedly and convincingly confirmed what women (and their physicians) have always understood, that small breast cancers seldom kill, large breast cancers often kill, and very large breast cancers usually kill. Thanks to the achievements of recent breast cancer research in Sweden, we now know that the natural history of this disease can be arrested. The time at which it is arrested will have a significant impact on the outcome. However, the interpretation of the trials requires expertise. Randomized controlled trials measure the effect of invitation to screening, not the effect of participation in mammography, since the results are weakened by non participation of invited women and mammography in non invited women. Attendance in mammography screening caused at least a 50% decrease in death from breast cancer in Sweden. Few accomplishments in cancer research can measure up to this achievement.