EXCLUSION FROM MAMMOGRAPHIC SCREENING OF WOMEN GENETICALLY PREDISPOSED TO BREAST-CANCER WILL PROBABLY ELIMINATE MAMMOGRAPHICALLY INDUCED BREAST-CANCER

In this paper we present our view on the contribution of mammography e xaminations to breast cancer induction in patients with hereditary bre ast cancer predisposition. We contradict the usual reasoning that the benefits of early breast cancer detection outweigh the small number of induced breast cancers. Though this tenet is justified in the majorit y of women, yet in a small, readily identifiable group of hereditarity affected women, radiation even in small doses may enhance oncogenesis . If this relatively small group of patients is barred from mammograph y and regularly screened with other means, mammography may even become a more safe procedure.