Mammography screening-a recognised standard

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common global malignancy found in women and likewise so in Poland; newly diagnosed cases being respectively 1.7 million and 17 thousand annually. For the last 30 years, population screening has been adopted in the developed world. In Poland, breast screening attendance is however around 45%, what is still lower than in highly developed countries (above 70%). Breast cancer mortality has also declined more slowly in Poland. Following the introduction of breast screening, the rapid decreases in mortality demonstrated in Western Europe and the USA prove its effectiveness. Observations and data accumulated over many years through screening have nevertheless generated debate regarding overdiagnosis and overtreatment of breast cancer. This issue has been summarised in the WHO Position Paper that recommends continuing breast screening whilst also ensuring that patients are able to make informed decisions.