Screening mammography: proven benefit, continued controversy

Several randomized controlled trials of screening mammography have shown a reduction in breast cancer mortality on the order of 25% to 30%, demonstrating that screening mammography is a valuable tool for breast cancer detection. Despite this evidence, controversy surrounding various aspects of mammographic screening persists and is discussed here. These continuing controversies include the age at which regular screening should begin, the upper age at limit for screening, the optimum screening interval, and the value of screening in young, high-risk women. Also discussed are controversial issues surrounding screening interpretation, including observer variability and false-negative and false-positive readings.