New research led by the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) shows that women who participate in regular breast cancer screening not only have a much lower risk of dying from the disease, but also require significantly less intense treatment if diagnosed.
The study, supported by BreastScreen Victoria, builds on previous findings showing women diagnosed with breast cancer who are participating in the BreastScreen program required less intensive treatment compared with those who were not participating.
The new results also show that participating in the BreastScreen Victoria program was associated with as much as a 75 per cent lower risk of dying from breast cancer.
Senior author, the RMH’s Professor Bruce Mann, says despite ongoing commentary about overdiagnosis, the findings show the benefits outweigh the risks of breast screening.
“Our research shows the benefits are clear: women who take part in the BreastScreen Victoria program not only have a much better chance of survival, but often require less treatment if cancer is detected,” Prof Mann says.
“We are extremely lucky in Australia to have access to screening programs with such positive results. This research should give the community further confidence that screening can be a vital and life-saving part of prevention and early detection.”
The research, published in the journal Annals of Surgical Oncology, analysed outcomes based on whether women had participated in the BreastScreen Victoria program– including those whose cancers were detected during screening and those diagnosed between screening rounds, known as “interval cancers” – versus those who had not.
This approach provided a fuller picture of the benefits of participation.
“By looking at participation rather than just screen-detected cancers, we could truly see the impact of screening itself,” Prof Mann says.
“This is valuable information for women making decisions about whether to take part in breast screening.”
Rita Butera, BreastScreen Victoria’s CEO added: “This research highlights the benefits and importance of breast screening in reducing the impact of breast cancer. It also demonstrates why early detection is vital, and we urge more women to book a free breast screen as a proactive health measure.”
The research analysed de-identified, historical data captured at the RMH and by BreastScreen Victoria between 2007 and 2013.
BreastScreen Victoria invites women and the trans and gender diverse community aged 50 to 74 without breast symptoms to have free 10-minute breast screens every 2 years. To book an appointment call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.org.au.