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Researchers say breast cancer screening prevents deaths

Category: Breast

Australian scientists have published findings indicating that women who succumbed to breast cancer were less likely to have taken a lab test for the condition, and that early detection due to screening increased patients' chances of survival by almost 50 percent.

The study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention compiles information regarding 4,000 women between the ages of 50 and 69, almost 430 of whom had died. The frequency of screening for living women was much higher than that of the deceased group. The scientists said their data contradicts findings that have argued against the effectiveness of screening.

"Sound research methods have been used in this study. I believe it is time to move on from the debate about whether screening reduces mortality and to instead direct research resources to help improve the program for women who choose to use it," said Carolyn Nickson.

Even if an individual finds a lump in one of her her breasts, a lab test for breast cancer might show negative results. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the majority of breast lumps turn out to be fibrocystic breast condition or cysts.