Recent studies into whether the dangers of mammograms outweigh the benefits reveal that the tests can decrease the chances of dying from breast cancer by nearly 30 percent.

Debates have raged in recent years over whether or not mammograms are a safe way to test for breast cancer. Experts have been concerned with the possibilities of false positives and the subsequent damage which could be inflicted by starting unnecessary treatment.

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In 2012, a British review showed that for every life saved by a mammogram, at least three other women were unnecessarily treated for a cancer that would have never been a threat to their lives. Early this year, a Canadian paper was published based on a two decade study which suggested that mammograms don't reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer.

In the new study, researchers followed all Norwegian women between the ages of 50 to 79 during a period of over 20 years. Scientist used a model to estimate breast cancer death rates by looking at women invited to get a mammogram as part of the government-funded program as well as those who weren't included yet.

According to researchers, around 76 percent of women offered a mammogram actually got it and the study estimated that 368 women needed to get the test done in order to prevent one death from breast cancer.

The research therefore showed that screenings reduce breast cancer deaths by a whopping 28 percent. The study was published on Tuesday in the British Medical Journal.

"Mammograms do provide some benefit, but the problem is the screening is so sensitive it captures tumors without malignant potential," said Lars Vatten of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

However, Vatten also stated that the benefits of getting a mammogram justified ongoing screening programs and suggested that women be provided with more information regarding the potential harms, such as unnecessary treatment, surgery, and chemotherapy.

Tagsmammogram, breast cancer, risks, benefits