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Mammography is the process of using low-dose X-rays to examine the human breast. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through detection of characteristic masses and/or micro calcifications. Mammography is believed to reduce mortality from breast cancer. No other imaging technique has been shown to reduce risk, but breast self-examination and physician examination are considered essential parts of regular breast care.
In many countries routine mammography of older women is encouraged as a screening method to diagnose early breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammography, with or without clinical breast examination, every 1-2 years for women aged 40 and older.
Laurie from the not just about cancer-blog read in the Globe and Mail that a new study coming out of Norway, revealed that some cancers will disappear on their own and that more sophisticated testing, such as the MRI or mammography, can lead to “overdiagnosis”.
The study’s authors argue that, since it is considered unethical to treat cancer once it has been detected, more aggressive detection can lead to unnecessary treatment that may cause more harm than good. I was feeling a little uneasy when I read this article and trying to articulate why…
Does the article specify the type of cancer which may disappear without intervention. I have had wide local excision for early breast cancer diagnosed by mammography but because I never felt it for myself I find it difficult to believe it was real.