It was reported in the British Medical Journal that a study has found that 1 in 3 women found by screening to have breast cancer are 'overdiagnosed' – that is, the cancer is not aggressive or likely to do them any harm. Given the physical and mental effects of being told you have cancer (and the effects of treatment), plus the effects on the family, the report is questioning the effectiveness of having a universal screening program with mammography.

You can read more at these links:

http://tinyurl.com/nrdpjm

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/339/jul09_1/b2587

What do you think? How has mammography screening benefited or harmed you or your family? Should we continue with this screening, or target it only where there is a family history of the disease? I have recently read about breast thermography as a possible alternative. Do you know more about this, have you used it or know someone who has? Please share your thoughts.