Pertaining to a study that involves a global row over screening programs, scientists revealed on Wednesday that regular mammographic screening for breast cancer can save the lives of women who are provided unnecessary treatment.

The work of these researchers is contrasting to some recent studies on screening programs. But it revealed that the benefits surpass the harm screening can cause by picking up tumors that would not have presented a problem.

Stephen Duffy of Queen Mary, University of London led the study. He said, "Unfortunately, we haven't yet got a flawless screening test, and some cases that are picked up wouldn't have needed treatment. But for every case like this, screening saves two women who would have otherwise died from breast cancer".

A Nordic study published last week, is contradictory to what Duffy concluded in his findings. The study found no proof that routinely screening women for breast cancer had in any way affected death rates.

Last November, the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force interrogated whether annual screening mammograms for women below 40 actually saved lives and suggested to raise the screening age to 50.

However, the move was condemned by cancer doctors and advocacy groups as they opined that the changes would mean more women die of breast cancer.