A Large-scale Pilot Breast Cancer Screening Program: Findings and Recommendations for National Screening Programs

Abstract

Aim: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in women. Screening programs to diagnose breast anomalies increase the likelihood of early diagnosis and survival. This study describes the most extensive breast cancer screening program in Istanbul/Turkey between 2018 and 2019 and offers recommendations for nationwide programs. Methods: We collected data from the Istanbul Health Directorate's cancer surveillance database from May 2018 to December 2019. We analyzed data on patients referred for further investigation due to suspicion of possible tumors in their screening radiography. The database included socio-demographic information and further examination details (tests, outcomes, and planned treatment). Results: The mean age of the 3,577 women who were invited for further examination was 52.3 [standard deviation (SD): 7.5]. The age group with the highest percentage of further investigation invitations was between 50 and 54. The mean time between the results of screening mammography was 16.2 days (SD: 15.3). 5.1% of the women referred were diagnosed with some sort of cancer. Women who went to the place of scheduled appointments, instead of getting an appointment in another place of their choosing, were diagnosed and treated earlier. Conclusion: For a breast screening program to reach the entirety of the target population, a comprehensive approach to every step of the process (screening, diagnosis, treatment) needs to be considered together.