New research suggests that annual mammogram It may not be the only effective approach to preventing breast cancer.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), tested a risk-based breast cancer screening approach to standard annual mammography.
The WISDOM randomized clinical trial, led by study authors from universities and health systems across the United States, enrolled more than 28,000 women between the ages of 40 and 74 and divided them into risk-based screening and annual mammograms.
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Researchers calculated each woman’s individual risk based on genetics (sequencing of nine breast cancer genes) and other health factors.
Those at highest risk were advised to alternate mammograms and MRI scans every six months. High-risk patients were asked to undergo annual mammography and counseling.
Average-risk women were advised to get a mammogram every two years, while low-risk women were advised not to undergo screening until they were at increased risk or reached age 50.
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Researchers found that risk-based screening did not lead to more advanced screening. cancer diagnosis (Stage 2B and above) compared to annual screening and shown to be as safe as traditional methods. However, the risk-based approach did not reduce the overall number of biopsies as the researchers had hoped.
Among risk-based groups of women, women at higher risk had more screenings, biopsies, and detected cancers. Women at lower risk had fewer surgeries.
”[The] Findings suggest that risk-based breast cancer screening is a safe alternative. annual screening “Screening intensity is commensurate with individual risk and may reduce unnecessary imaging tests,” the researchers wrote in a study summary.
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Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Safia, associate professor of radiology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New Jersey, commented that while these findings are important, the study “completely sidelines” the purpose of screening to detect cancer early.
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“Without measuring stage 0, stage 1, or stage 2A cancer, we cannot determine whether personalized screening delays diagnosis in a way that is important for survival and survival. treatment intensity” Safia, who was not involved in the study, said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
He noted that more than 60% of breast cancers in the United States are diagnosed at stage 1 or 2A, and the cure rate is over 90%.
Saphier said the trial did not “fully assess” whether risk-based screening alters detection at the earliest, most treatable stage, when screening “offers the greatest benefit.”
“Mammography is not without risks. The potential for radiation exposure, false positives, anxiety, and overdiagnosis are real and should be recognized,” she said. “However, breast cancer remains the most effective, evidence-based tool when detected early and treated most successfully.”
The expert added: Women under 50 ‘Low risk’ is now ‘outdated’ as more and more young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer.
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“Long-term mortality data support” alternative approach“Women should continue screening annually starting at age 40 to find out their average risk,” Safier added. “Women should assess their breast cancer risk by age 25 and decide whether to start screening sooner.”
