ABSTRACT
This statement followed a consensus conference at the National Cancer Institute in January 1997 to assess currently available data regarding the effectiveness of mammography screening for women aged 40-49 years. Presentations of updated results of all randomized trials of breast screening were reported with particular emphasis on subset analyses of benefit in women aged 49 years or less. The initial unanimous conclusions of the 13-member panel were ‘that the data currently available do not warrant a universal recommendation for mammography for all women in their forties; and that ‘a women should have access to the best possible relevant information regarding both risks and benefits, presented in an understandable and usable form,’ so that they may decide whether to undergo mammography or not. Subsequently two members produced a minority report in which they recommended that there should be active encouragement for women in their forties to be routinely screened.
