BMJ 1998;317:360-361 ( 8 August )

Editorials

Extending the benefits of breast cancer screening

Still hard to know how large the benefits will really be

Papers pp 376 , 388  

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Ever since the implementation of the NHS breast screening programme in 1988 two important questions have been consistently raised. Should the age range of women invited be extended from the current range of 50-64 years, and should the screening interval be reduced from the current three years? If we are to believe the cost effectiveness analysis by Boer et al in this week's issue (p 376),¹ an increase in age to 69 and a two year interval would each generate substantial benefits in life years saved and deaths avertedbut, needless to say, at a substantial cost. Moreover, the authors' conclusion that extending the age range is expected to prevent more deaths, whereas shortening the screening interval would save more life years leaves policymakers with anot unfamiliarethical dilemma.

It is obviously desirable to improve life expectancy in those women already eligible for screening. Reducing the interval cancer rate, which is particularly high . . . [Full text of this article]

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This article has been cited by other articles:

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False positive rates are lower in older women

L Garvican
bmj.com, 18 Aug 1998 [Full text]

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