Early Breast Screening May Reduce Need for Aggressive Treatments

Early breast cancer screening may translate into smaller tumors and less aggressive breast cancer treatments. In this study, researchers found that women whose last mammogram was 25 months or more before their breast cancer diagnosis were 50% more likely to need chemotherapy, 32% more likely to have a mastectomy, 66% more likely to need lymph nodes removed, and had larger tumors than those who more recently underwent a breast cancer screening. Study author Dr. Elisa Port notes, “There are multiple benefits of mammography in terms of early detection. Not only do we save lives, but we reduce the likelihood of needing more aggressive treatment.”  American Society of Breast Surgeons, May 2018