"For some diseases, early detection does not help to prolong life because earlier treatment is no more effective than later treatment.In these situations, early detection simply increases the years of disease from the time of diagnosis rather than increasing years of life. This is called ‘lead time bias’. "

Who thinks this applies to breast cancer and why or why not? I have two trees one says that screeening does not change life expectancy, I originally thought they dont know because it has not been long enough but screening has been in place since the 80s so 30 years  should be enough....on the other hand researh points to increased life expectancy and quality of life if the primary tumour is excised in metastic breast cancer.....so could this mean that unless it is big it doesn't matter the body will self repair or does it say other forces to increase malignancy have come into paly and the life of a 50 year old is much different than it was in the eighties.

I need to say this picture of lead time is almost too horrible to contemplate and my mind keeps freezing but what if all that is done made no difference what is the point of screening to make someone miserable? Does early treatment make a difference and if so how much?

Best
Amy