EUSOMA review of mammography screening.

In 1993 the European Society of Mastology concluded that regular mammography screening reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer. The evidence came from a meta-analysis of six randomised controlled trials that collectively showed a statistically significant 22% reduction in breast cancer mortality. The effect is clear in women aged >/=50 years but there is uncertainty in women aged <50 years. Screening programmes for women aged >/=50 years should be part of organised public health programmes. The adverse effects of screening were addressed and performance indicators of programmes were specified.