How Do Women View the Benefits and Harms of Screening Mammography?

Large survey shows U.S. women are more likely to be aware of screening's benefits than its harms.

Many breast cancers detected with screening mammography represent overdiagnosis (NEJM JW Womens Health Feb 2017 and Ann Intern Med 2017; 166:313); indeed, such screening has not substantially reduced breast cancer-specific mortality. Are women aware of this? Investigators analyzed survey data from >400 U.S. women (age range, 40–59) regarding their knowledge and perceived importance of the benefits and harms associated with screening mammography. Respondents were asked to rate the personal importance of the potential benefits (e.g., saving lives, earlier treatment, peace of mind) or harms (e.g., false-positive findings, anxiety, unnecessary treatment) of mammography. Among participants, 56% reported having a mammogram during the past year, 2…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

How Do Women View the Benefits and Harms of Screening Mammography?

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Reviewing Author