The benefit of population screening for breast cancer with mammography

In the autumn of 2001, the Cochrane Library and The Lancet published the results of a systematic review of randomised trials for early detection of breast cancer by mammography. The reviewers claimed that there was no reliable evidence to support the survival benefit of mammography screening. This has led to many discussions — both in scientific literature and in the lay press. The Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport requested from the President of the Health Council a rapid answer to the question of whether the outcome of the study, a so-called Cochrane review, nullifies the scientific basis of the current screening programme.