Cancer Australia supports the importance of mammographic screening in reducing deaths from breast cancer.
Mammographic screening has been shown from large, international randomised trials to be the best early detection method available for reducing deaths from breast cancer.
BreastScreen Australia is the national screening program for breast cancer, which aims to reduce illness and death from breast cancer through the early detection of the disease using mammography screening.
An evaluation of the BreastScreen Australia program in 2009 indicated a reduction in breast cancer deaths for the age group of 50-69 years of approximately 25% at the participation level of 56%.
The majority of breast cancers found through screening would be progressive and become symptomatic during a woman’s lifetime if left untreated.
Women in Australia have access to evidence-based information about the benefits and potential risks of mammographic screening, to assist them in making informed decisions about screening participation through BreastScreen and You. Further information about cancer screening can be found at: www.cancerscreening.gov.au.