[Mass screening for breast cancer].
A CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT: Several large randomised studies have demonstrated a reduction in mortality due to breast cancer of around 30% in women aged over 50, with the development of systematic mammography. There are data also suggesting an identical benefit in women aged 40 to 49, when screening is intensified. A recent meta-analysis has contradicted the results of randomised studies on screening, but this study is clearly debatable. THE SITUATION IN FRANCE: No randomised study has been organised. A national program is aimed at screening 7 400 000 women aged 50 to 74. THE KEY TO SUCCESS: The active participation of women, health professionals and public authorities is the fundamental condition for a well-organised mass screening.
Cottu
Paul-Henri
PH
Centre des maladies du sein, hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris. phcottu@ch-diaconesses.fr
Cuvier
Caroline
C
Perret
Francine
F
Gorins
André
A
Espié
Marc
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors