Screening for breast cancer

• DOI: 10.1383/wohm.2006.3.1.22
• Publication Date: 2006-03-08T13:34:45Z
• Authors: M Reddy; Ros Given-Wilson
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. Annually more than 39,000 cases are diagnosed, largely in post-menopausal women. The UK NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) was established in 1988. It provides screening for women aged 50 years and over using X-ray mammography. Annually, this equates to about 1.5 million women. The evidence for a reduction in mortality with the breast screening has been provided by eight randomized controlled trials, which were conducted since the early 1960s. In the UK, mortality from breast cancer fell by 30% during the period 1991–2001. A growing percentage of this is attributable to breast screening. The NHSBSP is strictly regulated and is in constant evolution. A number of reforms have been introduced recently in order to improve cancer detection. This contribution aims to briefly explore the evidence and rationale for the establishment of NHSBSP, to review current policy and the new changes, which have been instigated in the general screening population and in high risk groups. Also, we highlight the benefits and pitfalls of breast screening.