International review affirms overall benefits of breast cancer screening

An international review has affirmed the positive impact that breast cancer screening programmes can have on survival rates among women.

Coordinated by the International Agency for Research in Cancer and led by the Queen Mary University of London, the review saw experts from 16 countries assess the positive and negative impact of different screening methods, based on analysis of 11 clinical trials and 40 high-quality observational studies.

It was indicated that women who are invited to attend mammography screening have a 23 percent risk reduction in breast cancer death compared to those who are not invited.

The benefit is particularly pronounced in those aged between 50 and 69, who are 40 percent less likely to die of breast cancer if they attend screenings.

Professor Stephen Duffy of Queen Mary University of London said: "This important analysis will hopefully reassure women around the world that breast screening with mammography saves lives."

Breast cancer remains the UK's most common form of cancer, with just under 50,000 women diagnosed with the disease in 2011.