31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 12 — Switzerland Review Board Recommended Abolishing Mammography Screening

Did you know…

Switzerland was advised to Phase Out Mammography Screening

The Swiss Medical Board released a report of its findings in 2014 and concluded:

  1. no new systematic screening mammography programs should be introduced,
  2. all forms of mammography screening must be evaluated for quality,
  3. women must be given clear and balanced information on the benefits and harms of screening,
  4. systematic mammography screening programs in Switzerland–due to the tool’s limited utility for reducing mortality and the increased likelihood of harm from overdiagnosis and overtreatment—should be phased out.

Weighed against the slight benefit of repeated screening were the harms of increased biopsies and the overdiagnosis of breast cancers that would never have produced symptoms in a person’s lifetime or become clinically relevant. Overdiagnosis can increase the impact of cancer on quality of life and longevity because it leads to overtreatment, exposing patients to potential harms without offering any benefits. – Abolishing Mammography Screening Programs? A View from the Swiss Medical Board, Gayle Sulik PhD, April 30th, 2014

Listen to Peter Gotzsche explain why “Screening Doesn’t Save Lives.” He states: “Stay Away from Screening” as it harms many women with overdiagnosis and overtreatment. and it increases breast cancer incidence and aggressive treatments.

Mammography screening is harmful and should be abandoned

More studies and experts speaking out against mammography screening: The Downside of Mammograms – What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling You

About Donna Pinto

I am originally from New Jersey and moved to Los Angeles with my family at age 12. After graduating from San Diego State University with a BA in Journalism, I had a short-stint in magazine advertising sales before landing my "dream job" with Club Med. For two years I worked at resorts in Mexico, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic and Colorado. My husband Glenn & I met in Ixtapa, Mexico and we embarked on a two year honeymoon around the world. This was also a research project for a book we wrote called "When The Travel Bug Bites: Creative Ways to Earn, Save and Stay Abroad." I am also the author of a quote book for new graduates -- "Cheatnotes on Life: Lessons From The Classroom of Life." In 1997, we settled in San Diego and I was blessed to work part-time from home for non-profit organizations while raising our two boys. In 2010, a DCIS diagnosis changed my life. DCIS 411 is the culmination of my on-going journey and discoveries.
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