Trial of Mammographic Screening
Nils Bjurstam and his team recently published an article in Cancer, a journal by the American Cancer Society, sharing findings that mammography screenings reduces breast cancer mortality in women younger than 50 years old.
This study is a continuation of the Gothenburg Trial of Mammographic Screening, which began in 1982 in Sweden. Researchers tracked over 50,000 women between the ages of 39 and 59. The women were randomly divided into two groups:
1. The Intervention Group: Received invitations for mammogram screenings every 18 months. 84% of people in this group made screening appointments because of the invitation.
2. The Control Group: Maintained usual care and screening practices.
The graph above shows cumulative breast cancer death rates over time in the intervention and control groups. There is a 30% reduction in deaths between the intervention and the control group.
It seems like the updated results here suggest long term intervention is the key to lower the chances of breast cancer deaths.
I will be sure to go to my next mammogram appointment!
Joan Lunden truly exemplifies today’s modern working woman. An award-winning journalist, bestselling author, motivational speaker, successful entrepreneur, one of America’s most recognized and trusted television personalities, this mom of seven continues to do it all. As host of Good Morning America for nearly two decades, Lunden brought insight to top issues for millions of Americans each day. The longest running host ever on early morning television, Lunden reported from 26 countries, covered 4 presidents and 5 Olympics and kept Americans up to date on how to care for their homes, their families and themselves.