One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. And every October advocacy groups work to spread awareness for breast cancer. Efforts tend to highlight mammogram screenings and the steps to take for early detection of the disease.

But some argue breast cancer is being over-diagnosed because of the widespread awareness campaigns along with technological advances. The number of patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer has increased in recent years, but the mortality rate has remained constant.

Screenings now can detect abnormalities that may never progress or cause harm to the patient, yet many still choose to go through treatment, which can cause emotional and physical stress.  As a result, the National Cancer Institute has called to redefine what is medically considered to be cancer in an effort to decrease over-treatment.

This week on Noon Edition, we’ll talk with health care experts about the latest guidelines for early detection, as well as the benefits and potential harms of mammogram screening.

You can join us for a live chat at WFIU.ORG/NoonEdition, follow us on Twitter at Noon Edition or call into the program at 812-855-0811, or toll-free at 1-877-285-WFIU (9348).

Noon Edition airs Friday at 12 p.m.

Guests

Janice Ross, Manager, Olcott Center, Bloomington

Gilbert Welch, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice