[Mass screening for breast cancer]. / Dépistage de masse du cancer du sein.

A CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT: Several large randomised studies have demonstrated a reduction in mortality due to breast cancer of around 30% in women aged over 50, with the development of systematic mammography. There are data also suggesting an identical benefit in women aged 40 to 49, when screening is intensified. A recent meta-analysis has contradicted the results of randomised studies on screening, but this study is clearly debatable. THE SITUATION IN FRANCE: No randomised study has been organised. A national program is aimed at screening 7 400 000 women aged 50 to 74. THE KEY TO SUCCESS: The active participation of women, health professionals and public authorities is the fundamental condition for a well-organised mass screening.