ChatterBank0 min ago
Breast Screening Service.
22 Answers
I had my letter today for my appointment. These appointments seem to come around alarmingly quickly. I know they are necessary but they are so painful.
At what age do they stop screening?
At what age do they stop screening?
Answers
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I can't believe you tilly2 - I find them so completely painless - getting the smears are murder to me I no longer get them - first time when I was young - think it put me right off - doctor said jump (my own gP) stuck the stick up - couldnt do it - then said to me you need a sanitary towel - I said why I dont have my period - oh sorry I ripped you a bit - that finished me off - tried to have many more but more unsuccessful - tilly dont worry re the breast would have rather them done every day rather than tht other thing.
Sqad's info isn't completely up to date.
Quote:
"We are currently phasing in the expansion of the programme to routinely invite women up to the age of 73."
Source:
http://
Sorry, Tilly2
:(
Quote:
"We are currently phasing in the expansion of the programme to routinely invite women up to the age of 73."
Source:
http://
Sorry, Tilly2
:(
I believe the jury is out re. pros and cons of breast screening.
I think it can lead to unnecessary surgery removing some small tumours or areas that would never progress. I speak from some personal experience having had a significant number of lymph glands removed (before they started only removing small numbers) when they later discovered that the tumour was an 'in situ' one which would probably have stayed there till I died. This was discovered post operativcely. My in situ tumour presented unusually with a sharp pain and was a sort of calcification. Have no regrets they acted in my best interests and it hasn't caused me any problems.
I think it can lead to unnecessary surgery removing some small tumours or areas that would never progress. I speak from some personal experience having had a significant number of lymph glands removed (before they started only removing small numbers) when they later discovered that the tumour was an 'in situ' one which would probably have stayed there till I died. This was discovered post operativcely. My in situ tumour presented unusually with a sharp pain and was a sort of calcification. Have no regrets they acted in my best interests and it hasn't caused me any problems.
Whether you think "the jury is out" on breast screening depends on what your expectation of a successful programme would be.
As it stands, the most recent research shows that the impact on the mortality rate from breast cancer in the 50-69 age group has been significant. It is true however that there will be over-diagnosis and subsequent unnecessary treatments, which will obviously be a personal tragedy - but on the balance of outcomes, the benefits of the programme - a reduction in the mortality rate amongst women - outweighs the overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment by a ratio of around 2.2 to 1.
As it stands, the most recent research shows that the impact on the mortality rate from breast cancer in the 50-69 age group has been significant. It is true however that there will be over-diagnosis and subsequent unnecessary treatments, which will obviously be a personal tragedy - but on the balance of outcomes, the benefits of the programme - a reduction in the mortality rate amongst women - outweighs the overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment by a ratio of around 2.2 to 1.
LazyGun....just to put an even slant on it
The Cochrane Collaboration review found a 15% reduction in mortality, but the absolute reduction in breast cancer mortality was 0.05%, and due to harm from false positive screening and increased mortality from treatment complications, they could not conclude whether screening did more harm than good.[3] The Nordic Cochrane Collection (2012) reviews updated research to state that advances in diagnosis and treatment make mammography screening less effective today. They state screening is “no longer effective.” They conclude that “it therefore no longer seems reasonable to attend” for breast cancer screening at any age, and warn of misleading information on the internet.
The Cochrane Collaboration review found a 15% reduction in mortality, but the absolute reduction in breast cancer mortality was 0.05%, and due to harm from false positive screening and increased mortality from treatment complications, they could not conclude whether screening did more harm than good.[3] The Nordic Cochrane Collection (2012) reviews updated research to state that advances in diagnosis and treatment make mammography screening less effective today. They state screening is “no longer effective.” They conclude that “it therefore no longer seems reasonable to attend” for breast cancer screening at any age, and warn of misleading information on the internet.
I don't find breast screening at all painful, but smear tests another matter altogether. I have a reminder for mine stuck on the fridge door and keep putting it off which I know is silly. For some reason the nurses or doctors can never find my cervix (not quite sure where they think I am hiding it, my wotsit's not THAT big lol) no matter which position they use. One memorable occasion resembled something out of All Creatures Great and Small. Good job I have a sense of humour!
@Sqad, Aye, I have read Gotzsches review for the Cochrane Collaboration before, and it did rather put the cat amongst the pidgeons when it came out :)
The latest report I saw (Duffy et al) was aware of Gotzsches work, and pointed out that he had focused on a 10- year interval, rather than the longer 20 year time period, which may have scewed the findings. somewhat.
Its all about balance of benefits and harms, and it is certainly true that the programme is not entirely beneficial, in that there will be a cohort of women who are over-diagnosed and receive unnecessary treatments - This is not something that is widely understood, and it is obviously important from an informed consent perspective that women understand the risks.
The work of Duffy et al looks at that longer time frame and offers a different benefits ratio in consequence...
http://
Fortunately for me, this all remains a hypothetical risk. Were I a woman in that age range though, I would opt for the screening programme....
The latest report I saw (Duffy et al) was aware of Gotzsches work, and pointed out that he had focused on a 10- year interval, rather than the longer 20 year time period, which may have scewed the findings. somewhat.
Its all about balance of benefits and harms, and it is certainly true that the programme is not entirely beneficial, in that there will be a cohort of women who are over-diagnosed and receive unnecessary treatments - This is not something that is widely understood, and it is obviously important from an informed consent perspective that women understand the risks.
The work of Duffy et al looks at that longer time frame and offers a different benefits ratio in consequence...
http://
Fortunately for me, this all remains a hypothetical risk. Were I a woman in that age range though, I would opt for the screening programme....
Boxtops - I suffer even from the bit of opening your legs - am so embarrassed at that alone that someone sees your private parts - I do know it comes with the territory - mind you I have had many done but as I said pretty painful and unsuccessful ie couldn't be done. I am the biggest coley out - think I will let my body rot in its own time -
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