Health

Increased breast cancer screening success rates because of less chance of ‘overdiagnosis’


A large study finds the NHS breast screening program is less likely to overdiagnose cancer than previously thought.

Overdiagnosis occurs when a person has a tumor but it grows so slowly that it causes no symptoms.

When it’s discovered, it’s impossible to know if it will grow rapidly or be fatal, so women are often given harsh treatments.

Research by Queen Mary University of London and King's College London reaffirms that the potential benefits of breast cancer screening outweigh the risks.

Research by Queen Mary University of London and King's College London reaffirms that the potential benefits of breast cancer screening outweigh the risks.

Research by Queen Mary University of London and King’s College London reaffirms that the potential benefits of breast cancer screening outweigh the risks.

It is thought that between 5 and 30% of tumors identified this way will go unnoticed, meaning that patients may have undergone unnecessary therapy. The odds mean some people don’t attend the movie screenings, which are offered every three years between the ages of 50 and 71.

But experts from Queen Mary University of London and King’s College London, found that the true number of overdiagnosed breast cancer is just 3.7%.

The study, published in the journal Cancer Medicine, concluded that the ‘benefits of breast cancer screening outweigh the risks’.

The researchers examined 57,493 cases of breast cancer among women who participated in screening in 2010 and 2011 and compared them with more than 100,000 women who did not participate in screening.

Overdiagnosis was calculated as the number of overdiagnosed cancers in the screening group compared with those who did not show up for their screening appointment.

The authors conclude: ‘Our results suggest little if any overdiagnosis, and it is reasonable to conclude that the NHS Breast Screening Program is associated with the most modest overdiagnosis. for breast cancer.’

Lead investigator, Stephen Duffy, professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary University of London, said: ‘These results provide some reassurance that participation in the NHS Breast Screening Program gives only The risk of breast cancer being diagnosed is too low.

‘Together with the results of our previous study on the effect of screening on breast cancer mortality, this points to the benefit of screening in preventing breast cancer deaths. outweighs the small risk of overdiagnosis.’ There are around 56,000 breast cancer diagnoses and 11,500 deaths from the disease in the UK each year. This is the most common cancer in women.

There are around 56,000 breast cancer diagnoses and 11,500 deaths from the disease in the UK each year

There are around 56,000 breast cancer diagnoses and 11,500 deaths from the disease in the UK each year

There are around 56,000 breast cancer diagnoses and 11,500 deaths from the disease in the UK each year

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive officer at Cancer Research UK, said: ‘Breast cancer screening plays an important role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Screening may have lifesaving benefits but is not without risks, such as overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

‘This study reaffirms that the potential benefits of breast cancer screening outweigh the risks and reports that overdiagnosis may be lower than previously thought.

‘If you receive an offer for breast cancer screening, it is important that you read the information and make the right decision for you.

‘Remember that screening is for people without symptoms.

‘While there’s no need to get checked at a certain time or in a certain way, if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, contact your specialist. Having any difficulty getting an appointment, keep trying. ‘



Source link

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button