Researchers say mammography doesn't cut mortality

Prevention experts question findings and still support the breast cancer screening tool.

By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. Nov. 12, 2001.

Washington -- Mammography's effectiveness as a screening tool for breast cancer is so widely recognized that patients and physicians may be surprised at recent research that negates its value.

"There is not reliable evidence that screening for breast cancer reduces mortality," according to a study published in the Oct. 20 issue of The Lancet.

Danish researchers Ole Olsen and Peter C. Gotzsche examined seven randomized trials of screening mammography and concluded that screening is unjustified because there is no reliable evidence that it reduces mortality.

The recent publication is actually a review of findings released last year by the same researchers.

The earlier report had been so roundly criticized by those in the breast cancer prevention field that the authors decided to take a closer look at their material.

Their review, however, confirmed their earlier findings and is sparking renewed criticisms from cancer organizations.

"The overwhelming weight of scientific evidence supports regular screening with mammography as the best strategy to detect breast cancer early and thus begin treatment early," said Robert Smith, PhD, director of cancer screening for the American Cancer Society.

On occasion the "take it for granted" world in science and medicine might lead to erroneous assumptions, said Dr. Smith. But not this time. "Mammography has received an incredible amount of very aggressive epidemiologic and academic scrutiny. And the studies have received an extraordinary amount of scrutiny," he said. [...]