EVEN IF 3D MAMMOGRAPHY IS MORE ACCURATE, DOES IT SAVE LIVES?

EVEN IF 3D MAMMOGRAPHY IS MORE ACCURATE, DOES IT SAVE LIVES?

Mammography detects cancer but it also can detect abnormalities, many of which are not dangerous. Detecting those abnormalities often results in unnecessary anxiety, testing, and even treatment. These issues are being considered by experts from across the U.S. as they debate whether lesions called Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), for example, should be considered cancer or not, and whether they should be treated or just monitored closely.14

One large study7 in 2014 that was funded by the 3D mammography device company did not show an increase in DCIS detection rates using 3D+2D mammography versus 2D alone. However, a new, smaller study that was independently funded did show an increase in DCIS detection.8 This is an issue for patients to consider, because when doctors and patients discover abnormalities, even if they present very little risk or an unknown risk in the future, they usually undergo treatment. That unnecessary “over-treatment” has risks.

http://www.stopcancerfund.org/p-breast-cancer/is-digital-mammography-better/