Oh Aggie! Not sure where you are at with treatment however I sense your frustration in your post above but I do take umbrage in part of what you said - "...'Early' detection is a fiction, merely a call-to-action to the layperson to participate in screening programs..." to me this comment is a little harsh. Isn't this about awareness and having it caught before it becomes mets? We are all entitled to a view but we are not here to upset those that are just starting out!
Mammogram for me in 2013, no indication, 2015 and it is a 60mm tumour but contained to the breast.
Mets is a bloody awful thing and I've watched both Mother in law and Mum lose the battle with mets - BC was not in the equation.
Please take care and know there's support here for you and others