According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the question that was trying to be answered was: Which route – breast cancer screening or breast cancer treatment, was the one that was most responsible for the remarkable decline in breast cancer mortality over several decades?
The answer was somewhat surprising to the researchers. And yet, perhaps shouldn’t have been so. For the conclusion reached was that BOTH in combination was the most likely reason.
Advances in screening and treatment save lives
Researchers found that the combination of advances in mammography screening and improvements breast cancer treatment reduced breast cancer mortality by 49% in 2012, compared with the number of deaths that would have occurred with no screening and no treatment. While the contributions of screening and treatment have shifted over the years, both have had a major positive effect in the fight to save women’s lives.
Breast cancer mortality has fallen over the past several decades in most developed countries that have implemented population-based breast screening. In the U.S., for example, the American Cancer Society’s annual report on cancer released this month showed that the mortality rate from female breast cancer fell 39% from 1989 to 2015.
Authors of this study do note and admit that newer drug treatments are linked to a greater reduction in mortality due to breast cancer. However, the same authors wrote that screening has had a significant effect in reducing breast cancer mortality by finding cancer at earlier stages and allowing for earlier and more effective treatment.
Technology such as 3D mammography, is such an example of advanced screening approaches.
A great alternative to the hospital
For many years, tens of thousands of women have said “no thank you” to the hospital and chosen our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS), for their screening and diagnostic mammography needs. And, the advanced technique of 3D imagery is available from an independent provider as DIS offers this superior mammogram screening at centers in Covington, Marrero, Metairie and Slidell, LA.
Diagnostic Imaging Services can be contacted directly at 504-883-5999 or 985-641-2390 to schedule a visit. Or, click the REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT button (above right) to send us an email requesting assistance.
All we need is about 20 minutes to get you in, screened and on your way.