Breast Cancer Screen Rates Down

Breast cancer screening rates have dropped, according to new data released from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.  Participation rates for women aged 50 to 69 have fallen from a high of 57.6% in 2001-02 to 53.7%
in 2013-14, the report said. 

A recent major international analysis from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) confirmed the lifesaving benefits of screening mammography with a 23% reduction in the risk of breast cancer. 

Chair of Cancer Council Australia’s Screening and Immunisation Committee, Associate Professor Karen Canfell, said the IARC analysis implied thousands of premature breast cancer deaths were prevented over the past 20 years, “a number that would be increased if more women participated in the screening program.”

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Source: pharmacydaily.com.au, Thursday 2 July 2015