Attendance of the fourth (2008–2009) screening round of the Hungarian organized, nationwide breast cancer screening program

Abstract

Organised, nationwide screening for breast cancer with mammography in the age group between 45 and 65 years with 2 years screening interval started in Hungary in January 2002. The aim of this study is to analyze the attendance rate of nationwide breast screening programme for the 2008-2009 years. The data derive from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration. The ratio of women in the age group 45-65 years was calculated having either a screening mammography or a diagnostic mammography in the 4th screening round of the programme. In the years 2000-2001, 7.6% of the women had an opportunistic screening mammography while in 2008-2009 31.2% of the target population had screening mammography within the organized programme. During the same periods 20.2% (2000-2001) and 20.4% (2008-2009) of women had a diagnostic mammography. Thus the total (screening and diagnostic) coverage of mammography increased from 26.6% (2000-2001) to 50.1% (2008-2009). The attendance rate failed to change between 2002 and 2009. In order to decrease the mortality due to breast cancer, the attendance rate of mammography screening programme should be increased. Orv. Hetil., 154(50), 1975-1983.