Biennial mammography optimal screening interval for average risk women

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

A comprehensive analysis of digital mammography tests has indicated that biennial (once every two years) screening is preferable for women of age 50 through 74 that have an average risk of developing breast cancer. 

This screening frequency should offer  a good balance between prudent detection and the risk of false-positive results.

The study findings indicated that biennial screening maintains an average of 81.2% of annual screening benefits with fewer false-positives; whereas annual screening, although it could avert 3 more cancer deaths, would yield approximately 1988 additional false-positive test results.

This study was a collaboration between six modeling research groups that belong to CISNET, the NCI-sponsored Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network, coupled with investigators based at the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC).

The paper's lead author was Jeanne S. Mandelblatt, MD, MPH, of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (CISNET).

The modeling incorporated national data on breast cancer risk, treatment effects, and incidence of breast cancer; and reviewed one- and two-year screening intervals on individuals with varying starting ages. The research also considered digital screening and breast density factors.

Other modeling findings revealed that  biennial screening during the age span of 50-74 would achieve a roughly 25% mortality reduction. Starting the biennial screening at age 40 averts an average of one additional cancer death but also generates an average of 576 additional false-positive tests.

The paper's lead author cautioned that these model findings should still not override a screening frequency determination based on individual factors, based on acceptance of false-positive results, over treatment, etc. She stated that screening frequency must be balanced against the risk of chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment that may not needed.