Breast Cancer Screening Debate

Breakthrough Breast Cancer hopes that the article ‘Doubts cast on breast cancer screening’ (Monday 23rd January 2012) will not discourage women from attending their breast screening appointments. One in eight women will develop breast cancer and screening aims to detect the disease at the earliest possible stages.

Once again Peter Gøtzsche has concluded that breast screening is not beneficial and does not cut breast cancer deaths, however the research published in his book is not new and unnecessarily opens up an old debate.

Gøtzsche’s interpretation of studies has been strongly contested by other scientists and clinicians in the past and many other good scientific studies have shown that breast screening does work and that it really does saves lives.

A particularly important aspect of breast screening, largely ignored in the current debate, is that it can detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stages when no other symptoms are obvious – and the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better, as treatment options are more likely to be less aggressive and have successful outcomes. For many women, this is enough of a reason to attend breast screening.

In response to the continued criticism of the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) the National Cancer Director, Prof Sir Mike Richards, has set up an independent review of breast screening.  The independent panel includes a number of highly qualified experts who will consider all the evidence from trials and studies on breast screening.  The overall aim of the review is to develop an up-to-date assessment of the likely benefits and harms associated with routine screening and will help inform decisions as to the future of the current NHSBSP. 

In the meantime articles such as today’s may only serve to alarm and confuse those trying to make sense of this complex issue.

It is important that the evidence for and against screening is continually reviewed and consideration given to how breast screening can be used effectively.  Therefore, Breakthrough Breast Cancer welcomes the independent review and hopes it will mean women are reassured that all the evidence has been considered and the information they receive is accurate.

The results of the review are expected in spring/summer this year. Maybe then we can finally move the debate on for good.

Chris Askew
Chief Executive, Breakthrough Breast Cancer