Screening mammography: sparing the emperor's blushes.
Differing interpretations about evidence on benefits and harms of screening mammography has led to conflicting recommendations among different jurisdictions that range from intensive screening starting at age 40 to no screening at all. Despite broad attention of scientific and nonscientific media, evidence suggests substantial discrepancy between real and perceived benefits of screening mammography among women. In this commentary, underlying concept of mammographic screening, limitations in primary evidence, results from secondary evidence, and existing misunderstandings are underscored with a critical gaze at available information.
Medical Oncology and Hematology, University of Manitoba and CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0V9. sniraula@cancercare.mb.ca.
Saroj
S
Niraula
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged
Breast cancer; mammography; overdiagnosis; overtreatment; screening
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