Mamografia de screening y realidad Chilena

Abstract

Breast cancer constitutes a worldwide spread Public Health problem, so a number of strategies have been implemented to diminish its mortality rate, being mammography the unique exam achieving this goal so far. Controversies have risen concerning desirable beginning age, frequency and upper age limit for women to undergo mammography exams, among other issues by no means resolved up till now. Nevertheless, literature analysis enable us to draw some conclusions and to reach a certain consensus. When implementing a screening mammography program, adverse effects as well as costs have to be taken into account. Some actions carried out in Chile aimed at addressing early detection of breast cancer are reported.