Annual Screening at 40 Could Be Key
Starting annual breast cancer screening at the age of 40 could significantly reduce deaths, according to a recent study. Currently, women in Britain are offered free mammograms every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. However, US researchers suggest starting a decade earlier and extending screening for a further eight years could have a tremendous impact.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Professor Debra Monticciolo, from Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of shifting to earlier screening to detect the disease in its early stages. The study highlights that beginning annual screening at 40 and continuing until at least age 79 leads to the highest reduction in mortality, averting more cancer deaths and gaining additional years of life.
Impact of Different Screening Programs
The study, published in Radiology, compared various screening programs and their effects on survival rates. Annual screening from ages 40 to 79 was found to reduce mortality by 41.7% compared to biennial screening from ages 50 to 74. Early detection not only reduces mortality but also makes treatment easier, sparing women from additional surgeries and chemotherapy.
Expert Insights
Dr. Monticciolo stresses that while there are risks associated with screening, they are manageable for most women, unlike the risks of advanced breast cancer. Nicola Smith from Cancer Research UK acknowledges that screening programs are effective in spotting cancer early but highlights the importance of ongoing research to optimize screening benefits and minimize harms.
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