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London, May 12 (IANS): An analysis of more than half a million women revealed that early detection of mammography reduces rates of advanced and fatal breast cancer, the researchers say.
For the findings, published in the journal CANCER, the research team examined data from nearly a third of the women in Sweden who were eligible for the mammography exam.
“This study shows that participation in breast cancer screening substantially reduces the risk of fatal breast cancer,” said study researcher Laszlo Tabar of Falun Central Hospital in Sweden.
Among these 549,091 women, the researchers calculated the rates of advanced breast cancers and cancers that were fatal within 10 years of diagnosis, comparing the findings in women who participated in the recommended mammography exam and those who did not.
The study found a 41 percent reduction in cancers that were fatal within 10 years of diagnosis and a 25 percent reduction in the incidence of advanced breast cancer in women who participated in screening.
“Because the comparison of participating with non-participants was contemporary, with mammography screening and breast cancer treatment belonging to the same time period, it is not affected by possible changes in breast cancer treatment with time, “said Dr. Duffy.
The researchers emphasized that participating in breast cancer screening confers a reduced risk of dying from breast cancer beyond what can be achieved with current therapies in the absence of screening.
“Some may believe that recent improvements in breast cancer treatment make early detection less important. Our study shows that nothing can replace early detection of breast cancer,” said Dr. Duffy.
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