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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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Breast Cancer Screening Leads To 'Over Diagnoses'
Women are to be nformed over breast cancer screening issues in the UK after a review highlights the potential harms of being tested. The review panel, led by Prof Michael Marmot, from University College London, found screening had "contributed to reducing deaths" but also "resulted in some overdiagnosis".
Breast Cancer Screening Leads To 'Over Diagnoses'
Women are to be nformed over breast cancer screening issues in the UK after a review highlights the potential harms of being tested. The review panel, led by Prof Michael Marmot, from University College London, found screening had "contributed to reducing deaths" but also "resulted in some overdiagnosis".
17 October 2005
Breast cancer can cost ‘thousands’
Breast cancer can cost sufferers thousands of pounds, a survey by a leading cancer charity has revealed. Macmillan Cancer Relief surveyed 50 cancer patients and found that, on average, they spent almost £2,000 on extra costs during their treatment.
Breast cancer can cost ‘thousands’
Breast cancer can cost sufferers thousands of pounds, a survey by a leading cancer charity has revealed. Macmillan Cancer Relief surveyed 50 cancer patients and found that, on average, they spent almost £2,000 on extra costs during their treatment.
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.
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08 August 2003
HRT therapy can double breast cancer risk
Certain kinds of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can double a woman's risk of breast cancer, according to major research study of more than a million women. Researchers found that post-menopausal women using combination HRT were twice as likely to develop breast cancer as non-users.
HRT therapy can double breast cancer risk
Certain kinds of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can double a woman's risk of breast cancer, according to major research study of more than a million women. Researchers found that post-menopausal women using combination HRT were twice as likely to develop breast cancer as non-users.
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