Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment Saves Lives

Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment Saves Lives

Source: New England Journal of Medicine, October 27, 2005

Study Background

October 28, 2005 - Mammographic screening for breast cancer and improved breast cancer treatment have both contributed to declining breast cancer mortality rates in the U.S., according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as a leading cause of cancer death in women. Fortunately, survival appears to be improving; the breast cancer mortality rate in the U.S. dropped from 48 per 100,000 women in 1975 to 38 per 100,000 women in 2000.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded seven separate groups in the U.S. to estimate the extent to which treatment and screening have each contributed to the decline in breast cancer mortality.

Decline in breast cancer mortality
Although there was variability in the estimates, all seven groups drew the same conclusion: the decline in breast cancer mortality that occurred in the U.S. between 1975 and 2000 is explained by a combination of screening and treatment—neither factor alone is responsible. Individual estimates about how much of the decline in mortality is due to screening mammography ranged from 28 percent to 65 percent, with a median of 46 percent. The rest of the decline in mortality was attributed to improved treatment.

The researchers conclude that declining breast cancer mortality is due to both earlier detection of breast cancer through screening mammography, as well as improved cancer treatment. This study provides additional support for the use of screening mammography for the early detection of breast cancer.

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Komen Foundation Perspective
We are pleased that studies have been done that more accurately demonstrate the impact that screening and treatment can have on breast cancer outcomes. While we know that mammography and other technologies are not perfect and issues remain to be resolved, it is important to understand that advances in the quality of mammograms and in the science of breast cancer treatment are making a difference in people's lives. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation continues to fund innovative research that could lead to advances in technology and treatment and make earlier, more accurate detection possible.

Although we would like to think that mammography or treatment alone could be responsible for these improved survival numbers, it is important to understand that the two work together to achieve the most beneficial outcome at this time. The early detection that is made possible with regular breast cancer screening allows more treatment options and a better chance for survival. Early detection must be followed by treatment to be successful.

It must be noted that while this study reports that about 70 percent of women in 2000 had mammograms in the past two years, there are many disparities to this access. Women in different cultures, geographic locations and socio-economic situations and with other barriers to access do not have this same level of participation. Making sure that these life-saving options are available to all those who are at risk for breast cancer is the only way that we will successfully accomplish our mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recommends a 3-step approach to breast cancer screening that includes, depending upon a woman's age, a combination of mammography, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams.

• Annual mammograms beginning at age 40.
• Clinical breast exam at least every 3 years beginning at age 20, and annually from age 40 on.
• Monthly breast self-exam beginning by age 20.