The observational research – tracking all Norwegian women aged 50 to 79 between 1986 and 2009 while a national mammography program was gradually implemented – found that about 368 women need to be given an opportunity to undergo a mammogram to prevent one death from breast cancer.
The research – published online Tuesday in the British journal, BMJ – comes at a time when debate has ensued about the value of breast screenings following a 2012 UK study that concluded for every life mammograms save, about three other women are unnecessarily treated for a cancer that posed no threat to their lives.
While it is suggested that the importance of breast screening will fall as treatment improves the Norwegian experts say there is still huge benefits in encouraging women to get checked.
“Mammograms do provide some benefit, but the problem is the screening is so sensitive it captures tumors without malignant potential,” said Lars Vatten of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, one of the study’s authors.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, head of UK charity Breast Cancer Campaign, told ITV that this new research reinforces the need for national breast screening programs outweigh the risks of over-diagnosis.
“This study adds to existing evidence that confirms that breast screening saves lives. Diagnosing breast cancer quickly is vital, as the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chances of survival,” said Morgan.
In Australia the lifetime risk of women developing breast cancer before the age of 75 years is one in 11.
According to BreastScreen Australia the Australian government in 2013 committed $55.7 million over four years to expand the initiative’s target age range by five years, from women 50-69 years of age to women 50-74 years of age.
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