Mammograms Credited for Decline in Breast Cancer Death Rate

The death rate from breast cancer continues to decline, as public awareness campaigns on the benefits of mammography result in more than 90 percent of cases now being diagnosed in their early stages, according to the American Cancer Society.

"It's great news," said Susan Braun, president of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. "I think it is in large part due to efforts for raising awareness and early detection that all us of have been pushing for lo these many years."

Michael Thun, head of epidemiology for the cancer society, said that with more women receiving mammograms, breast cancer is more frequently detected earlier when the chances of successful treatment are better.

In 2000, 72 percent of white women reported having a mammogram in the past two years compared to only 29.6 percent in 1987. The rate remained somewhat lower for black women, with 68 percent reporting having had a mammogram in the two-year period in 2000 compared to 24 percent in 1987.

Other Sources: American Cancer Society