Epidemic of breast cancer overdiagnosis? Not so fast, according to imaging experts

A Danish study has raised eyebrows in the breast imaging world, concluding breast cancer screening is ineffective in reducing the incidence of late-stage cancer. The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and was accompanied by an supporting editorial written by Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society.

Breast imaging societies have not taken the news lying down, with the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging releasing a joint press release refuting the claims. 

"The Jørgensen paper is not based on direct patient data that shows which women had a mammogram (at what frequency) and which did not. A well-known study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), based on direct patient data, has shown the rate of breast cancer overdiagnosis in Denmark to be approximately 2 percent," read the statement.

In addition, Forbes contributer Elaine Schattner countered by highlighting limitations of the study, including the omission of breast ultrasound and the cross-sectional nature of the study. Read her full article by following the link below: