Harvard Researchers Question Benefits Of Mammograms

BOSTON (CBS) - Local researchers find greater breast cancer screening with mammography does not lead to fewer breast cancer deaths.

A growing number of experts are concerned that widespread screening with mammograms leads to over-diagnosis, and in many cases to uncomfortable treatments, procedures, and anxiety.

Researchers at Harvard University looked at data on more than 16 million women. They found that over ten years, more women were screened, more breast cancers were diagnosed, but more lives were not saved.

Many women are asking, "What does this mean? Should I still get mammograms or not?"

The answer is yes.  Mammograms are still the best breast cancer screening tool we have right now, but when to start and how often to get them is not always clear.

Women should talk to their doctors about their own personal history and any concerns they have, and doctors need to be clear with patients that we don't have all the answers.