Research News: Reg Mamms Save Lives, Causes Overdiagnoses

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Regular Screening Mammograms Save Lives, but Cause Overdiagnoses
April 2, 2012
A Norwegian study found that while regular screening mammograms save lives, they also cause overdiagnoses of breast cancer. Read more...

LovesChristmas-Barb

I guess I don't understand exactly how they know women are overdiagnosed. If they can tell whether your cancer won't kill you, then why do they treat it? I often find myself wondering if I'm being overtreated....

otter

Barb, I agree.  I've been reading these types of articles as they come out, and I have to confess that they send my blood pressure through the roof.  "Overdiagnosis"?  What the heck is that?

Seriously... I would like someone to define "overdiagnosis".  I know what the authors of those articles are claiming.  I've read and understand their hypotheses.  I am interested in reality. 

Does "overdiagnosis" mean more cases of cancer are being diagnosed than actually are occurring?  If so, then the term should be "misdiagnosed" or "incorrectly diagnosed."  The diagnoses are wrong. 

If, OTOH, "overdiagnosis" refers to cases of cancer that are being diagnosed and treated even though they would not have ended up being fatal, then, heck, I say we should invest in the crystal balls those authors must be using. 

IMHO, I'd much prefer that breast cancer be "overdiagnosed" than underdiagnosed. Others might feel differently.

otter

cp418

I told a Radiologist that I'd rather have a false positive than a false negative.  He couldn't wait to get rid of me out of the exam room......  They don't want to hear it.

Marple

I was thinking your exact same words cp as I came back to post on this thread!!!