The other side of technology: risk of overdiagnosis of breast cancer with mammography screening

Future Oncol. 2009 May;5(4):481-91. doi: 10.2217/fon.09.25.

Abstract

Estimates of overdiagnosis of breast cancer with mammography screening differ between studies. The estimate of overdiagnosis obtained using the cumulative incidence approach with data from randomized clinical trials ranges from 10 to 14%. In observational studies, where statistical adjustment for lead-time was utilized, the estimate was lower than 5% in two Italian studies, while it was quite higher in a Swedish study. Most of the differences are explained by different methodology, study design and measures. In this review we discuss the concept and the definition of the measure of overdiagnosis, and present different study methods to estimate overdiagnosis of breast cancer with mammography screening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Early Detection of Cancer*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammography*
  • Mass Screening*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk