Risk-benefit considerations

Taken from Radiologe 2005 45:245-254 with the kind permission of Springer Publishing

Abstract

For women between 50 and 70 years of age, X-ray mammography presently represents the most effective method for early breast cancer detection. It is commonly accepted that quality assured mammography examinations conducted at regular intervals can reduce mortality from breast cancer. In the year 2002, the German Bundestag agreed to the implementation of a mammography screening program for Germany based an the European guidelines. The effectiveness of a mammography screening program is controversially discussed and two of the most commonly cited hazards are the occurrence of false positive results and the so called overdiagnosis. Another issue of criticism is the radiation risk due to the mammography examinations. However, in women aged 50 - 70 years the radiation risk has no substantial importance. In contrast to the situation in Germany in which opportunistic screening has been widespread, standardized quality assured screening will guarantee that false positive rates are kept as low as possible and that further assessment diagnostics are effective and minimally invasive.

The complete text in German can be found as a pdf file.