Almost every test or procedure carries benefits and risks. The important thing is to be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
No screening test is 100% accurate but a good screening test is one that results in a decrease in death rates in people with cancer.
Researchers also look for other benefits of screening including improved quality of life or less harmful treatments as a result of finding the cancer early.
Benefits of regular screening
Earlier detection of cancer: In most cases, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better your chance of survival. Research has shown that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to survive breast cancer. Early detection may also mean less treatment and less time spent recovering. Research has proven that breast cancers detected in women who have regular mammograms are on average smaller and more treatable.
Reducing the anxiety of "not knowing": Many people prefer to have ‘check-ups’, just like a physical exam with your family doctor.
Risks of regular screening
False positive results: When test results suggest cancer even though cancer is not present. False positives can result in anxiety, stress and possibly painful and unnecessary tests to rule out cancer (that is, to make sure you don’t have cancer when the screening test has suggested you might). For example, research has shown that screening for breast cancer in younger women may lead to many more false positives. There is still uncertainty whether regular mammograms in women under the age of 50 saves lives.
False negative results: When cancer not detected by the test even though it is present. False negative results can cause you or your physician to ignore other symptoms that suggest the presence of cancer, causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Over-diagnosis. Certain cancers may never cause any symptoms, or decrease life expectancy or quality for life. However, research indicates that most breast cancers are harmful, and that breast cancer should be detected and treated as early as possible.
Increased exposure to harmful procedures, for example very low doses of radiation from x-ray tests.
Mammograms can be used for diagnosis and screening
Some tests that are used for screening can also be used to diagnose or rule out cancer in people who have reported symptoms to their doctors. For example, mammograms can be used for both screening and diagnostic purposes:
To screen women with no signs of breast cancer, or
To help diagnose women who do have signs of breast cancer (or rule out cancer in women who have signs of breast cancer)
Your doctor will be able to explain what type of test you are having and why you are having the test.
The importance of regular mammography
If you are between the ages of 50 and 69, you should have a mammogram every 2 years.
Research has shown that women who have mammograms regularly are less likely to have false positives (the test results suggest cancer when none is present).
We also know that if you do have cancer, it is more likely to be detected when you undergo mammograms on a regular basis.
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