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18/10/2006
Breast screening 'could lead to unnecessary treatment'
Breast cancer screening could lead to some women receiving unnecessary treatment, according to a new study.
A study by researchers at the Nordic Cochrane Centre found that for every 2,000 women screened over a decade, one would have their life prolonged, but ten would have to undergo unnecessary treatment.
The study also found that another 200 of those women would go on to receive 'false positive' results – a result which indicated that they had cancer but was later found out to be wrong – which led to unnecessary distress and anxiety.
Around 1.4 million women in England were screened for breast cancer in 2003-04, with more than 11,000 being diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking to the 'Daily Telegraph', Michael Baum, professor of surgery at University College London, said: “This latest evidence shifts the balance even further towards harm and away from benefits. If this report stands up, the NHS screening programme should be referred to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to decide whether it should be closed down.”
However, Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “When early changes are picked up by screening, it is not currently possible to predict whether or not they will progress and so treatment is usually offered to prevent breast cancer from developing.
“It's important women are given clear information about their treatment options. Early detection saves lives. Women over 50 should not be discouraged from taking up their screening appointments.”
(KMcA)
A study by researchers at the Nordic Cochrane Centre found that for every 2,000 women screened over a decade, one would have their life prolonged, but ten would have to undergo unnecessary treatment.
The study also found that another 200 of those women would go on to receive 'false positive' results – a result which indicated that they had cancer but was later found out to be wrong – which led to unnecessary distress and anxiety.
Around 1.4 million women in England were screened for breast cancer in 2003-04, with more than 11,000 being diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking to the 'Daily Telegraph', Michael Baum, professor of surgery at University College London, said: “This latest evidence shifts the balance even further towards harm and away from benefits. If this report stands up, the NHS screening programme should be referred to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to decide whether it should be closed down.”
However, Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “When early changes are picked up by screening, it is not currently possible to predict whether or not they will progress and so treatment is usually offered to prevent breast cancer from developing.
“It's important women are given clear information about their treatment options. Early detection saves lives. Women over 50 should not be discouraged from taking up their screening appointments.”
(KMcA)
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'Next big step' in breast cancer treatment launched
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'Next big step' in breast cancer treatment launched
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27 June 2014
Blood Test Could Predict Breast Cancer - Research
A blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, according to research by the University College London (UCL).
Blood Test Could Predict Breast Cancer - Research
A blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, according to research by the University College London (UCL).
22 April 2009
Breast Cancer Deaths At Record Low
The number of women dying from breast cancer has fallen to its lowest level since records began, new figures have shown. The data released by Cancer Research UK show that in 2007, 11,990 women in Britain died from breast cancer. In 1941 - the first year statistics were collected - 12,472 women died from the disease.
Breast Cancer Deaths At Record Low
The number of women dying from breast cancer has fallen to its lowest level since records began, new figures have shown. The data released by Cancer Research UK show that in 2007, 11,990 women in Britain died from breast cancer. In 1941 - the first year statistics were collected - 12,472 women died from the disease.
12 August 2010
UK's Breast Cancer Deaths Fall
Population-based breast cancer mortality rates in the UK have dropped steeply in the last two decades - more than in any other major European country - according to a study published on bmj.com. These results challenge claims that survival after breast cancer is worse in the UK than elsewhere in western Europe.
UK's Breast Cancer Deaths Fall
Population-based breast cancer mortality rates in the UK have dropped steeply in the last two decades - more than in any other major European country - according to a study published on bmj.com. These results challenge claims that survival after breast cancer is worse in the UK than elsewhere in western Europe.
10 October 2005
Breast cancer survival rates rise
Almost two-thirds of all women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are now likely to survive for at least 20 years, a leading cancer charity has claimed.
Breast cancer survival rates rise
Almost two-thirds of all women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are now likely to survive for at least 20 years, a leading cancer charity has claimed.
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