Mammography: a contrary view.
Experimental and clinical data on mammography as a tool for population screening are reviewed. The conclusions are that [1] there is good evidence that annual history, physical examination, and mammography can reduce short-term and midrange breast cancer mortality by about one third; [2] the evidence that mammography alone plays a significant role in this reduction is weak and indirect; [4] data on long-term effects of mammography are lacking; [4] no satisfactory investigations of associated radiation hazards have been published; and [5] the possible benefits of mammography have received more emphasis in the clinical literature than have its defects. Promotion of mammography as a general public health measure is premature.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000009:adverse effects; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D014481:United States