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Although routine breast screening is often recommended by public health programs to reduce mortality from breast cancer, women need to carefully evaluate whether the benefits of routine mammography outweigh the potential harms.
The effect of mammograms in reducing mortality from breast cancer is controversial--studies have found a reduction in risk of death from breast cancer that ranges from 63 percent to six percent among women who are screened.
Many women also suffer physical, emotional, financial or psychological harm as a result of testing. However, most women are not educated about such personal risks prior to the test.
Women must be given balanced information about the uncertainties, risks and limitations of screening so they can make an informed decision about routine mammography.
British Medical Journal July 12, 2003;327:101-103 (Full Text Article)
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