Regular mammography exams lower the risk of dying from breast cancer - Regular Mammograms Decrease Deaths from Breast Cancer
The German Mammography Screening Program, introduced 20 years ago, aims to detect breast cancer in its early stages and reduce mortality, particularly among women aged 50 to 69 years. Recently, policy changes have expanded the program's reach, inviting approximately 11 million women to participate [1].
The program's impact on breast cancer mortality has been significant, with screening proving most effective in the 50-69 age group, where breast cancer prevalence is higher, and early detection significantly improves outcomes. However, for women older than 70, the benefit of screening is less clear, and decisions are often individualized based on overall health and risk factors [2].
In younger women (under 50 years), mammography screening is not routinely recommended due to lower incidence and higher breast tissue density, which reduces screening sensitivity. However, the benefits for women aged 45-49 are similar to those for the 50-69 age group [2]. In fact, the federal office has recommended lowering the lower age limit for participation from 50 to 45 years [2].
The program currently does not endorse the use of autonomous AI to replace radiologist interpretation of mammograms, although AI as a second reader has been shown to outperform radiologists. Regulatory and acceptance barriers exist for integrating AI more fully into the screening workflow in Germany [1].
The mammography screening program includes a two-year X-ray examination of the breast for early detection. The program is offered to women aged 50 to 75 every two years, and it is free of charge. Small tumors that cannot be felt can be made visible through these imaging procedures [3].
It's worth noting that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Germany, with about 75,000 new cases each year. The determined benefit of the screening is greater than the very low radiation risk, according to BfS President Inge Paulini [3]. The screening can reduce breast cancer mortality in the 45-49 age group by around 20 percent, and the benefit for women aged 45 and over outweighs the risks [3].
Women are encouraged to participate in the quality-assured mammography screening program. The results of the multi-year study on the benefit of the screening program, coordinated by the BfS and mainly conducted by the University of Münster, will be presented on Wednesday afternoon [4].
References: [1] German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (2021). "Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges." [2] Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) (2021). "German Mammography Screening Program." [3] Paulini, I. (2021). "Statement on the Benefit of Mammography Screening in Germany." [4] Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) (2022). "Upcoming Presentation of Mammography Screening Program Results."
The Community policy update has expanded the German Mammography Screening Program, inviting approximately 11 million women to participate, offering vocational training in the field of health-and-wellness and women's health. By lowering the lower age limit for participation from 50 to 45 years, the program now encourages women aged 45-75 to undergo a two-year X-ray examination of the breast for early detection of breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women in Germany. Recent scientific research suggests that the screening can reduce breast cancer mortality in the 45-49 age group by around 20 percent, and the benefit for women aged 45 and over outweighs the risks. These community efforts aim to detect breast cancer in its early stages, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing mortality, particularly among women in the targeted age group.
