Breast cancer screening: The debate that never ends

Abstract

Screening mammography has been shown to decrease breast cancer deaths through randomized controlled trials. However, there remains significant debate surrounding the most appropriate time to commence screening and the optimal screening interval. Several national organizations have recently updated their guidelines by reanalyzing the published data. Interestingly, each organization has come to different conclusions regarding their recommendation for breast cancer screening in the average risk woman. Three of the main organizations that issue guidelines for breast cancer screening in the United States are reviewd in this chapter.