Participation rates in the third round (2006-2007) of the breast cancer screening program in Hungary

Abstract

Organised, nationwide screening for breast cancer with mammography in the age group of 45-65 years with 2 years screening interval started in Hungary in January 2002. The aim of this study is to analyse the attendance rate of breast screening programme for the 2006/2007 years, including the analysis of the ratio of screening and diagnostic mammography examinations. The data derive from the financial database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (NHIFA) covering the 8 years period between 2000 and 2007. The ratio of women in the age group of 45-65 years was calculated having either a screening mammography or a diagnostic mammography. The analysis was carried out for the years 2000-2001 before and 2006-2007 after the implementation of nationwide organised programme. In the years 2000-2001 7.26% of the women aged 45-65 years had an opportunistic screening mammography while in 2006-2007 29.4% of the target population had screening mammography within the organised programme. During the same periods 19.8% (2000-2001) and 21.8% (2006-2007) of women aged 45-65 years had a diagnostic mammography. Thus the total (screening and diagnostic) coverage of mammography increased from 26.2% (2000-2001) to 49.7% (2006-2007). The attendance of the Hungarian organised breast cancer screening programme slightly declined in 2006-2007 compared to 2002-2003/2004-2005, and to achieve the expected results in mortality decrease a further improvement of the uptake is necessary.