Researchers, in a study which was published earlier this year, uncovered a much disturbing fact that most of the breast cancer surgeries performed post screening are "unnecessary". According to the study, one of the every 2,000 women who are regularly screened and advised surgery find that it has been a live saving act, but due to the results put forward by screening as may as 10 healthy women also undergo operations.

Dr. Joan Austoker, an expert on the matter who is currently writing to the Government to make medical advise given through the NHS Breast Cancer Screening Program more specific, shared that there's this one form of cancer, called ductal carcinoma in situ, which is dormant and is not likely to "surface clinically". This dormant form of breast cancer, although picked up by screening, has no chances whatsoever of spreading.

Dr. Austoker believes that it is a mistake to withhold such vital information from a women who is considering surgery as a result of her test. “We want to make sure that all the risks of breast screening are referred to in appropriate detail", said Dr Austoker. "Much of the ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed will never surface clinically. Therefore it constitutes over-diagnosis ? that is, you are diagnosing something that would not have become an issue".

Under the current findings, the already questionable role of breast cancer screening has come under more doubts. Authorities are now looking to create clearer and more specific instructions and guidelines about the same.