Mammography--use or abuse.

Excluding the question of cost, at the present time the benefit of mammography associated with physical examination over the age of 50 appears proven as an intervention measure. With recent advances in radiological techniques, women under 50 appear to be advantaged by the performance of mammography but the benefit through the use of screening has yet to be proven by clinical trial. Screening might be restricted to the high risk group of patients with previous or present breast disorders and a family history of breast cancer in close relatives. Promotion of BSE and screening needs continuing education of the public, particularly concerning the value of early detection to successful treatment, and requires agreement on the methods and indications for screening (and subsequent treatment) by those advocating the programmes in order to keep the public's confidence. Overenthusiasm and polarity of views are to be avoided, so that health educators may be allowed to give the same message for credibility's sake.