For years, doctors have considered the mammogram one of the best tools for detecting breast cancer. But a debate is brewing among scientists and health researchers over whether the procedure is as effective as many claim. Two Danish scientists recently concluded that undergoing regular mammograms may not help prevent breast cancer deaths. In addition, mammography is designed to be sensitive enough to detect the "possibility" of cancer, which can lead to false-positive results, as many abnormalities turn out to be benign. As a result, critics say women undergo unwarranted stress and even overtreatment because of mammography errors.

Nevertheless, most doctors stand by the procedure, saying that early detection is crucial to breast cancer survival and that the mammogram remains the most effective tool for detecting malignant growths. This week, though, the PDQ editorial board, an advisory group of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), said it agreed with the Danish study. In addition, PDQ made several recommendations to the NCI regarding the future of mammography protocol.