Recent social media posts falsely claim that Switzerland has banned mammography and that Canada and other countries have suspended the procedure. These assertions are incorrect, as confirmed by health authorities.
The Federal Office of Public Health and the Swiss Cancer League confirmed that mammography services remain available in Switzerland. The Swiss Cancer League emphasized that mammography is a critical method for detecting early-stage breast cancer.
"These rumors are totally false," the Swiss Cancer League said. "In Switzerland, mammography is currently the main method for detecting early-stage breast cancer."
Health Canada and regional health authorities confirm that mammography programs are ongoing. The Canadian Cancer Society’s website indicates active mammography programs across all provinces, except Nunavut, which aligns its policies with the Ottawa Hospital’s screening program.
The European Commission recommended in 2022 that the earliest age for breast screening programs be lowered to 45 to catch more early cases. In Canada, there are ongoing campaigns to standardize the screening age at 40.
Some posts claim that 50-60% of positive mammogram results are incorrect and that mammography causes tumor growth due to radiation. However, experts clarify that the term "false positives" is evolving to "imaging recall," indicating that additional imaging is required to clarify results. Compression and radiation in mammography are deemed safe and necessary. Studies have shown that the benefits of early cancer detection outweigh the minimal risks associated with radiation exposure.
Anna Wilkinson from the Ottawa Hospital refutes the notion that mammography leads to "overdiagnosis," where patients are treated for cancers that wouldn’t cause harm. She notes that cancers rarely remain dormant or disappear, and early detection results in higher survival rates and less intensive treatments. This misconception often stems from the Canadian National Breast Screening Study of the 1980s, which faced criticism for its flawed methodology. Studies continue to address overdiagnosis, particularly in older patients, recommending personalized screening based on risk factors.
For further details, read the full article here.
Some posts raise concerns about breast compression and radiation during mammography, claiming it harms sensitive mammary tissue. Paula Gordon, a radiology professor at the University of British Columbia, explains that while compression can be uncomfortable, it is brief and necessary. Compression helps spread out breast tissue to detect cancers and minimize radiation exposure. A 2013 Swedish study found no evidence that compression could spread tumor cells and deemed mammograms safe. Health Canada states the body can repair any cell damage from mammogram radiation, emphasizing that early cancer detection benefits outweigh the minimal risks.
Read more on Health Canada's website.
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