Researchers: Women Need Better Information About Mammograms

While breast cancer screening is common in the United States and Europe, British researchers contend that most women still do understand the range of uncertainties for both the benefits and the harms well enough to make an informed choice as to whether to have regular mammograms.

In an article in the British Medical Journal, the researchers argue that it "is unacceptable that women taking tests continue to suffer morbidity and regret because they found out the harms of screening from experience."

"Individual women may suffer physical, emotional, social, financial, intergenerational, or psychological harm," the researchers contend. "The harm may be temporary, lasting around the time of testing and while waiting for results, but can be lifelong."

Studies often refer to unnecessary treatments arising from overdiagnosis as "biopsies," the researchers said, but in reality these treatments can include lumpectomies, mastectomies, and even radiation therapy.

They contend that there five common misconceptions about breast cancer screening that need to be clarified in a way that women understand. They cited as misconceptions:

• Screening tests are meant for patients with known symptoms;
• Screening reduces the incidence of breast cancer;
• Early detection implies reduced mortality;
• All breast cancers progress;
• Early detection is always a benefit.

"Most women who are screened have neither suffered nor been educated about the reality of the uncertainties, harms, and limitations of screening or the consequences of finding pathology of borderline importance," the researchers said.

"It is important, therefore, that women are able to understand the potential harms and can make an informed choice for which they are prepared to take responsibility," the researchers concluded.

Other Sources: British Medical Journal