Breast cancer screening: review of benefits and harms, and recommendations for developing and low-income countries

Med Oncol. 2013 Jun;30(2):471. doi: 10.1007/s12032-013-0471-5. Epub 2013 Feb 19.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. The disease remains a public health concern as recent evidence indicates that the breast cancer burden has increased mainly in developing and low-income countries (DLICs). Despite the demonstrated benefits, the debate about the real benefits and harms of breast cancer screening is ongoing. Many experts believe that the benefits of screening, in terms of reduced breast cancer mortality, outweigh the harms, whereas others think the opposite. In this review, we assess the clinical utility of available screening modalities, present evidence, overdiagnosis, cost-effectiveness, and other pertinent issues. We also examine relevant data from DLICs to underscore the barriers and challenges that impede implementation of screening strategies in those populations. We also provide recommendations concerning rational preventive strategies for breast cancer control for women in DLICs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / economics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Developing Countries / economics*
  • Early Detection of Cancer / adverse effects
  • Early Detection of Cancer / economics*
  • Female
  • Health Planning Guidelines*
  • Humans
  • Mammography / adverse effects
  • Mammography / economics
  • Poverty / economics*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / economics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods