Title: Routine screening mammography: how important is the radiation-risk side of the benefit-risk equation? Author: Brenner DJ, Sawant SG, Hande MP, Miller RC, Elliston CD, Fu Z, Randers-Pehrson G, Marino SA. Journal: Int J Radiat Biol; 2002 Dec; 78(12):1065-7. PubMed ID: 12556334. Abstract: The potential radiation hazards associated with routine screening mammography, in terms of breast cancer induction, are discussed in the context of the potential benefits. The very low energy X-rays used in screening mammography (26-30 kVp) are expected to be more hazardous, per unit dose, than high-energy X- or gamma-rays, such as those to which A-bomb survivors (from which radiation risk estimates are derived) were exposed. Based on in vitro studies using oncogenic transformation and chromosome aberration end-points, as well as theoretical estimates, it seems likely that low doses of low-energy X-rays produce an increased risk per unit dose (compared with high energy photons) of about a factor of 2. Because of the low doses involved in screening mammography, the benefit-risk ratio for older women would still be expected to be large, though for younger women the increase in the estimated radiation risk suggests a somewhat later age than currently recommended--by about 5-10 years--at which to commence routine breast screening.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]
