American and European recommendations for screening mammography in younger women: a cultural divide?. Issue 6917 (4th December 1993)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jatoi, I; Baum, M
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 307:Issue 6917(1993)
• Page Start: 1481
• Page End: 1483
• Publication Date: 1993-12-04
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.307.6917.1481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : The American Cancer Society advocates mammography screening for all women from age 40, whereas in Europe it is not recommended for women below the age of 50. Randomised prospective studies have failed to show a significant benefit from screening women aged under 50 and five potentially harmful effects of screening should be considered: lead time, overdiagnosis, radiation exposure, false positive results, and cost. Younger women must be properly informed about the potential for harm as well as for benefit before screening.