[Jean]

Hi Debbie,
I read the study again.

one over-diagnosed breast cancer for every 424 women who received mammography screening in the trial. Debbie is that considered a high number? I don't know, as I consider that a fair amount for error.

Cancers detected in the mammography arm were significantly smaller than cancers detected in the control arm (1.9 cm v 2.1), and the 25 year survival of women with breast cancer diagnosed in the mammography arm was superior to that of the women with a diagnosis in the control arm (70.6% v 62.8%).

The difference in mortality associated with tumours less than 2 cm compared with larger tumours is substantial.

Women with non-palpable breast cancer detected by mammography experience long term survival that is superior to that of women with palpable breast cancer.

The above was taken from the study.
Early detection does change the stats.
Do you think that a recent study of data will show a marked difference (her2) since early stage are being treated verses prior to the FDA approval? Also better treatments with early detection since 1980/1985?

Pertaining to exposure of radiation: recommendations to have an annual mammogram every year beginning at age 40. While there's no question that radiation exposure increases the risk of breast cancer, the risk is highest when exposure occurs at a relatively young age. For example, young girls treated with radiation for Hodgkin's disease have a very high risk of breast cancer; up to 50 percent develop it later in life. The older you are when you begin to have mammograms, the smaller the chance that the radiation exposure will contribute to breast cancer. If you begin screening when you're over 50, radiation exposure from mammograms is highly unlikely to increase your risk of breast cancer later in life.
At the end of the day each women has to be educated and informed so they can make the very best health choices that they are comfortable with.