Women in their forties who have annual mammograms do not have reduced mortality from breast cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers in Canada have looked at 50,000 volunteers in their forties, assigning around half to annual mammograms and the rest to one breast exam and usual care. All women were taught breast awareness and how to examine themselves for lumps and other abnormalities.

During 13 years of follow up, 592 women in the mammography had developed cancer compared to 552 in the control group. Of these, 105 in the mammography group died compared to 108 in the control group. The study suggests that, at least for women in their forties, mammography cannot help prevent deaths from breast cancer.

Source

Annals of Internal Medicine 3rd September 2002