Scientific foundation of mammographic screening is based on inconclusive research in Sweden.

EDITOR--In a letter Rosen and Rehnqvist criticised our analysis of mammographic screening in Sweden.[1] We respond here to their criticism. The Swedish Board of Health and Welfare claims that mammographic screening has been shown to be effective in Swedish high quality clinical trials. A re-evaluation of these trials casts serious doubt on that conclusion.

A meta-analysis of five Swedish clinical trials showed a significant 24% reduction in mortality from breast cancer, but the control groups in four of the trials were invited to screening 4-5 years after randomisation.[2] The fifth trial showed an excess mortality in the first six years of mammographic screening.[3] …