The Argument Against Mammography
Mammography has long been considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Yet, over the past two decades, a growing body of scientific literature has questioned its efficacy, safety, and overall impact on women's health. This article presents a balanced, evidence-based exploration of the arguments against routine mammography , especially for asymptomatic women at average risk. It does not offer medical advice but aims to clarify the scientific, ethical, and public health considerations surrounding this widely used screening tool. The Promise of Mammography: What It Was Designed to Do Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to detect abnormalities in breast tissue, ideally before symptoms appear. The rationale is simple: early detection saves lives . However, the reality is more complex. Claimed Benefits Reduction in breast cancer mortality : Estimated at 15–32% depending on age group and study design (Pace & Keating, 2014). Early-stage detection : Allows for less aggr...