Mammography Service Screening Research Articles

THE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHYBEYOND BREAST CANCER

Background: It is critical to assess the effects of coordinated mammography service screening separately from modifications to breast cancer therapy. This can be achieved by calculating the fatal breast cancer incidence, which is determined by the diagnostic date rather than the death date. Methods: By comparing itself to the standards set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, this study was able to show that it met all of the requirements. So, the experts were able to make sure that the study was as up-to-date as it was possible to be. For this search approach, publications that came out between 2013 and 2023 were taken into account. Several different online reference sources, like Pubmed and SagePub, were used to do this. It was decided not to take into account review pieces, works that had already been published, or works that were only half done. Result: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 109 articles, whereas the results of our search on SagePub brought up 98 articles. The results of the search conducted for the last year of 2013 yielded a total 45 articles for PubMed and 32 articles for SagePub. In the end, we compiled a total of 5 papers, 4 of which came from PubMed and 1 of which came from SagePub. We included five research that met the criteria. Conclusion: In summary, mammography screening lowers the death rate from breast cancer, although the estimates are only marginally statistically significant, the effects are modest at younger ages, and the way cases were accumulated in trials affects the outcome. Screening for cancers at higher stages also lowers the risk of cancer in those 50 and older.

Abstract PD14-04: PD14-04 Whole mammogram image-based Cox regression improves 5-year breast cancer prediction

Abstract To efficiently capture data from mammographic breast images and classify long-term risk of breast cancer, we developed FLIP, a novel Cox regression-based framework that fully utilizes data in the mammograms beyond current density measures. FLIP use the extensive existing data that are currently ignored in the context of breast cancer risk stratification. More than 20 studies support texture features add value to risk prediction beyond breast density. However, the entire mammogram imaging data has a high dimension of pixels (~13 million per image), greatly exceeding the number of women in a cohort. FLIP was fitted and cross-validated within the Joanne Knight Breast Health Cohort excluding cases diagnosed in the first 6 months of entry. The Joanne Knight Breast Health Cohort is comprised of over 10,000 women undergoing repeated mammography screening at Siteman Cancer Center and followed since 2010. All women had baseline mammogram at entry, provided a blood sample and completed a risk factor questionnaire. Mammograms are all using the same technology (Hologic). During follow-up through October 2020, we identified 246 incident breast cancer cases (pathology confirmed) and matched them to controls from the perspective cohort based on month of mammogram and age at entry. We obtained an AUC of 0.68 (SE 0.03) including the whole mammogram image, age and BI-RADS (4th edition) density category; and AUC of 0.72 (SE 0.04) by adding in BMI and menopausal status to this model. These 5-year prediction performances exceed that of well-developed models based on epidemiologic risk factors (P < 0.001). FLIP offers standard statistical solutions and removes barriers to wider clinical use without prohibitive training data and extensive computational requirements, providing a transparent workflow ensuring high reproducibility. It should be accessible anywhere mammograms are used. We conclude that using full mammogram images for breast cancer risk prediction captures additional information on breast tissue characteristics that relate to cancer risk, and improves prediction classification. This prediction algorithm can run efficiently in real time (in seconds) with processing of digital mammograms. Thus, this model can be easily implemented in mammography screening services and other clinical settings to guide real-time risk stratification to improve precision prevention of the leading cancer in women world-wide. Further analysis will quantify the value of adding other breast cancer risk factors, including polygenic risk scores. Addition of repeated mammogram images over time should further increase classification performance. This approach has the potential to improve risk classification by using data already available for the vast majority of women already having repeated screening mammograms. Schema overview of FLIP The raw images are in the form of .dcm files before entering into FLIP. After automated processing and image alignment, the two CC-views (left and right) are average between the two breasts for characterization. The inputted 2D mammograms are first characterized with bivariate splines over triangulation to preserve spatial distribution of pixels and accommodate the irregular semi-circular breast boundary. The characterization is further optimized (see Supplemental Material) which provides a unique and closed-form solution. b. A simple Cox proportional hazards model is adopted using well-established risk factors (RF), including age, breast density (BI-RADS), BMI, menopausal status, parity, family history, and history of benign breast disease. The mammogram image acts as an additional risk factor in the Cox regression accompanied with a 2D coefficient surface. All inferential procedures with Cox regression are applicable to FLIP which provides a transparent workflow ensuring high reproducibility. h_i (t) denotes the hazard function at time t for individual i, and h_0 (t) denotes the nonparametric baseline hazard function. c. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer within the first 6 month of their mammogram date have been removed from this analysis and we focus on the 5-year risk. Discriminatory performance is assessed with AUC and validated via a 10-fold cross-validation. Citation Format: Shu Jiang, Graham A. Colditz. PD14-04 Whole mammogram image-based Cox regression improves 5-year breast cancer prediction [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr PD14-04.

The challenging imaging and histopathologic features of diffusely infiltrating breast cancer

PurposeClinical, imaging and outcome observations indicate that diffusely infiltrating breast cancer, presenting as a large region of architectural distortion on the mammogram and conventionally termed classic infiltrating lobular carcinoma of diffuse type, represents a very unusual breast malignancy. This article aims to draw attention to the complex clinical, imaging, and large format thin and thick section histopathologic features of this malignancy, which challenges our current diagnostic and therapeutic management practices. MethodsProspectively collected data from the randomized controlled trial (1977–85) and from the subsequent, ongoing population-based mammography service screening (1985–2019) with more than four decades of follow up in Dalarna County, Sweden provided the database for investigating this breast cancer subtype. Large format thick (subgross) and thin section histopathologic images of breast cancers diagnosed as “diffusely infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast” were correlated with their mammographic tumour features (imaging biomarkers) and the long-term patient outcome. ResultsThis malignancy does not have a distinct tumour mass or focal skin retraction at clinical breast examination; instead, it causes an indistinct “thickening” and eventually shrinks the entire breast. A dominant feature is extensive architectural distortion on the mammograms caused by an excessive amount of cancer-associated connective tissue. Unlike other invasive breast malignancies, this subtype forms concave contours with the surrounding adipose connective tissue, a feature that makes it difficult to detect on mammograms. Women with this diffusely infiltrating breast malignancy have a 60% long-term survival. Its long-term patient outcome is surprisingly poor compared to that expected from its relatively favourable immunohistochemical biomarkers, including a low proliferation index and remains unaffected by adjuvant therapy. ConclusionsThe unusual clinical, histopathologic and imaging features of this diffusely infiltrating breast cancer subtype are consistent with a site of origin quite different from that of other breast cancers. Additionally, the immunohistochemical biomarkers are deceptive and unreliable because they indicate a cancer with favourable prognostic features predictive of a good long-term outcome. The low proliferation index is usually indicative of a breast cancer with a good prognosis, but in this subtype the prognosis is poor. If we are to improve the dismal outcome of this malignancy, it will be necessary to clarify its true site of origin, which will be a prerequisite for gaining a better understanding why current management efforts often fail and why the fatality rate is so unfortunately high. Breast radiologists should be watchful for the development of subtle signs of architectural distortion at mammography. Large format histopathologic technique enables adequate correlation of the imaging and histopathologic findings.

Role of mammography accessibility, deprivation and spatial effect in breast cancer screening participation in France: an observational ecological study

BackgroundThe detection of cancer in its early latent stages can improve patients’ chances of recovery and thereby reduce the overall burden of the disease. Our objectives were to investigate factors (geographic accessibility and deprivation level) affecting mammography screening participation variation and to determine how much geographic variation in participation rates can be explained by spillover effects between adjacent areas, while controlling for covariates.MethodsMammography screening participation rates between 2015 and 2016 were calculated by census blocks (CB), for women aged 50–74 years, residing in Lyon metropolitan area. Global spatial autocorrelation tests were applied to identify the geographic variation of participation. Spatial regression models were used to incorporate spatial structure to estimate associations between mammography participation rate and the combined effect (geographic accessibility and deprivation level) adjusting for modes of travel and social cohesion.ResultsThe mammography participation rate was found to have a statistically significant and positive spatial correlation. The participation rate of one CB was significantly and positively associated with the participation rates of neighbouring CB. The participation was 53.2% in residential and rural areas and 46.6% in urban areas, p < 0.001. Using Spatial Lag models, whereas the population living in most deprived CBs have statistically significantly lower mammography participation rates than lower deprived ones, significant interaction demonstrates that the relation differs according to the degree of urbanization.ConclusionsThis study makes an important methodological contribution in measuring geographical access and understanding better the combined effect of deprivation and the degree of urbanization on mammography participation and other contextual factors that affect the decision of using mammography screening services -which is a critical component of healthcare planning and equity.

Coverage rate of opportunistic and organised breast cancer screening in France: Department-level estimation

ObjectiveIn France, the national breast cancer screening programme (NBCSP), targeting women aged 50–74 years was rolled out nationwide in 2004. It aims at reducing breast cancer mortality. In addition to the NBCSP, the use of opportunistic screening is permitted in France. The objective of this study is to estimate both opportunistic use and overall coverage rates of breast cancer screening, among women 40–84 years of age, in France. MethodsThe French medico-administrative health data system (SNDS) was used to identify women performing an opportunistic or organised mammography screening in France in 2016–2017. ResultsThe two-yearly opportunistic mammography screening is 18 % among women aged 40–84; it is 11 % among women aged 50–74, i.e., the target age range for organised screening, 36 % among women aged 40–49 and 13 % among women aged 75–84. The overall two-yearly screening coverage is 48 % for all women aged 40–84; it is 60 % among women aged 50–74, 36 % among women 40–49 and 16 % for those aged 75–84. Geographical variations in screening are lessened when the two screening strategies are considered, as they balance each other. ConclusionAlthough coverage in the NBCSP is around 50 % in France, more than one third of the women make use of opportunistic screening within and outside the target age range. Organized screening appears to improve equity of access to mammography screening service. The lack of data on opportunistic screening practices hinders the evaluation of French screening practices as a whole.

The Benefits of Early Detection: Evidence From Modern International Mammography Service Screening Programs.

Research from randomized controlled trials initiated up to 60 years ago consistently confirms that regular screening with mammography significantly reduces breast cancer mortality. Despite this success, there is ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of screening, which is confounded by technologic advances and concerns about cost, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and equitable care of diverse patient populations. More recent screening research, designed to quell the debates, derives data from variable study designs, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. This article reviews observational population-based screening research that has followed the early initial long-term randomized controlled trials that are no longer practical or ethical to perform. The advantages and disadvantages of observational data and study design are outlined, including the three subtypes of population-based observational studies: cohort/case-control, trend, and incidence-based mortality/staging. The most recent research, typically performed in countries that administer screening mammography to women through centralized health service programs and directly track patient-specific outcomes and detection data, is summarized. These data are essential to understand and inform construction of effective new databases that facilitate continuous assessment of optimal screening techniques in the current era of rapidly developing medical technology, combined with a focus on health care that is both personal and equitable.

Abstract LB161: Whole mammogram image improves breast cancer prediction

Abstract To efficiently capture data from mammographic breast images and classify long term risk of breast cancer, we developed methods that use the extensive existing data that are currently ignored in the context of breast cancer risk stratification. More than 20 studies support texture features add value to risk prediction beyond breast density. However, the entire mammogram imaging data has a high dimension of pixels (~13 million per image), greatly exceeding the number of women in a cohort. We apply functional principal component analysis methods to predict 5-years breast cancer incidence using baseline mammograms. We applied these methods onto women participating in the Joanne Knight Breast Health Cohort which is comprised of over 10,000 women undergoing repeated mammography screening at Siteman Cancer Center and followed since 2010. All women had baseline mammogram at entry, provided a blood sample and completed a risk factor questionnaire. Mammograms are all using the same technology (Hologic). During follow-up through October 2020, we identified 246 incident breast cancer cases (pathology confirmed) and matched them to controls from the perspective cohort based on month of mammogram and age at entry. In a baseline model we controlled for age, menopause, BMI, and mammographic breast density (BIRADs). We then added the full image (characterized by the FPC) to the base model and further compared the AUC of the new model vs the base model using the likelihood ratio test. AUC is validated with internal 10-fold cross validation. The AUC for 5-year breast cancer risk classification increased significantly from a median of 0.61 (sd 0.09 for estimated AUCs across 10-fold internal validation) for the baseline model to 0.70 (0.10) when the full image is added, p &amp;lt; 0.001. We conclude that using full mammogram images for breast cancer risk prediction captures additional information on breast tissue characteristics that relate to cancer risk, and improves prediction classification. This prediction algorithm can run efficiently in real time (in seconds) with processing of digital mammograms. Thus, this model can be easily implemented in mammography screening services and other clinical settings to guide real-time risk stratification to improve precision prevention of the leading cancer in women world-wide. Further analysis will quantify the value of adding other breast cancer risk factors, including polygenic risk scores. Addition of repeated mammogram images over time should further increase classification performance. This approach has the potential to improve risk classification by using data already available for the vast majority of women already having repeated screening mammograms. Citation Format: Shu Jiang, Graham A. Colditz. Whole mammogram image improves breast cancer prediction [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr LB161.

Abstract 1019: Address breast cancer equity through virtual community oncology navigation and engagement (vCONET)

Abstract The objective of this study is to develop and test a culturally sensitive, inclusive, and accessible virtual navigation model for Black women to promote and improve breast cancer screening behaviors. Breast cancer is among the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality globally, and there is a wide range of racial and ethnic disparities across the cancer continuum. Black women continue to have disproportionately high mortality rates compared to Whites, and are more impacted by triple-negative breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer earlier in their lives and at more advanced stages. Patient navigation, particularly when culturally tailored to the intended population, is highly effective in reducing the complexity of access to care for cancer prevention and treatment. The growing momentum and usage of telehealth and virtual care has significant potential to reach Black women, to promote higher mammography screening and early detection of breast cancer. Virtual patient navigation can provide a safe, engaging, and accessible space to accelerate the application of practical approaches to address health disparities and increase preventive behaviors in underrepresented community. However, limited information exists on specific factors which impact the design, implementation, and receptivity of virtual navigation in Black communities. This study aims to: 2) Develop and test a culturally-adapted prototype of a virtual patient navigation intervention tool for increasing access to breast cancer screening education and promotion for Black women. 1) Use qualitative focus group methodology to explore the beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and receptivity of community members of program usability and breast cancer awareness, prevention and screening behaviors among Black women. The study will examine social determinants of health that impact potential challenges to access utilization of mammography screening services. Qualitative focus group discussions will be conducted to guide the details of the virtual patient navigation, such as communication channels, specific messaging approaches, and sociocultural factors to integrate, as well as addressing current challenges and needs faced by the community. The results of this study can provide valuable insight to specific needs regarding outreach and access to screening mammography services to underrepresented communities of color to ultimately reduce breast cancer rates. Data collection is ongoing and preliminary results will be presented. Citation Format: Manisha Salinas. Address breast cancer equity through virtual community oncology navigation and engagement (vCONET) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 1019.

Socio-demographic determinants of mammography uptake among women of 40 years and above in Calabar, South-South, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

mammography has the potential for identifying high risk women with breast cancer. Early detection is important in reducing mortality and morbidity, and crucial for better prognosis. Mammography is poorly practiced in Nigeria. This study assessed the association between socio-demographic characteristics and uptake of mammography among women ≥40 years. a cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed and data was collected from 365 consenting participants in Calabar, Nigeria, using pre-tested questionnaire. SPSS Version 20 was used for data entry and analysis. The results were descriptively presented by frequencies and percentages. Pearson Chi-Square (χ2) analysis was performed to detect the association between variables at 5% level of significance (p-value of ≤0.05). only 9.9% of participants had a mammography, majority 90.1% never had. Uptake was highest among respondents with tertiary education, married, Civil/Public Servants, and those in the high income level categorization. Educational status, marital status, occupation and age were not statistically significantly associated with mammography uptake (p>0.05). Only religious denominational affiliation (p = 0.02) and income level (p = 0.002) were statistically significantly associated with uptake. Barriers to uptake were poor knowledge about mammography (49.8%), psychosocial (37.8%), economic (17.1%) and health systems (11.5%). Key facilitators to uptake were encouragement/counselling by health workers (44.0%) and presence of breast problems (37.4%). mammography uptake in Calabar, Nigeria was extremely low. Therefore, regular awareness campaigns targeting women at faith-based settings, and provision of mammography screening services at subsidized rates will enhance knowledge level and uptake of mammography.

An image quality review programme in a population-based mammography screening service.

IntroductionMammography is one of the most technically demanding radiographic processes, and mammography quality assurance initiatives are priorities in the implementation of public health screening services. In the optimisation of image quality (IQ), radiographers play a major role. Between 1998 and 2009, the steering committee for mammography of a large population‐based screening service in northern Italy undertook several audit checks of the imaging facilities. In 2009, the target age range of the screening service was extended. The mammogram volume was projected to increase steeply but with no substantial increase in the radiographer workforce.MethodsIn view of the potential impact on mammographic IQ, the passive audit approach was abandoned in favour of an active radiographer‐oriented IQ review programme. Its technical basis consists of regularly repeated rounds of review of random samples of digital mammograms performed by each first‐level radiographer and by more experienced local reference radiographers, with IQ classification, followed by a training effort and a monitoring work.ResultsThe mammogram volume grew from 140,822 in 2008 to 319,394 in 2014 (+127%) and then stabilised. In 2012, the proportion of mammograms with a poor IQ rose from 0.6% to 19.3%, paralleled by a substantial decrease of mammograms interpreted to have a moderate and perfect IQ. Conversely, a generalised improvement occurred in both rounds of 2016 and in the first round of 2018.ConclusionIn the new challenging scenario, the programme proved to be effective. A successful IQ review initiative is one that encourages radiographers to participate with a positive and confident attitude.

Mammography screening reduces rates of advanced and fatal breast cancers: Results in 549,091 women.

BackgroundIt is of paramount importance to evaluate the impact of participation in organized mammography service screening independently from changes in breast cancer treatment. This can be done by measuring the incidence of fatal breast cancer, which is based on the date of diagnosis and not on the date of death.MethodsAmong 549,091 women, covering approximately 30% of the Swedish screening‐eligible population, the authors calculated the incidence rates of 2473 breast cancers that were fatal within 10 years after diagnosis and the incidence rates of 9737 advanced breast cancers. Data regarding each breast cancer diagnosis and the cause and date of death of each breast cancer case were gathered from national Swedish registries. Tumor characteristics were collected from regional cancer centers. Aggregated data concerning invitation and participation were provided by Sectra Medical Systems AB. Incidence rates were analyzed using Poisson regression.ResultsWomen who participated in mammography screening had a statistically significant 41% reduction in their risk of dying of breast cancer within 10 years (relative risk, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.51‐0.68 [P < .001]) and a 25% reduction in the rate of advanced breast cancers (relative risk, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.66‐0.84 [P < .001]).ConclusionsSubstantial reductions in the incidence rate of breast cancers that were fatal within 10 years after diagnosis and in the advanced breast cancer rate were found in this contemporaneous comparison of women participating versus those not participating in screening. These benefits appeared to be independent of recent changes in treatment regimens.

Early detection of breast cancer rectifies inequality of breast cancer outcomes.

ObjectivesTo explain apparent differences among mammography screening services in Sweden using individual data on participation in screening and with breast cancer–specific survival as an outcome.MethodsWe analysed breast cancer survival data from the Swedish Cancer Register on breast cancer cases from nine Swedish counties diagnosed in women eligible for screening. Data were available on 38,278 breast cancers diagnosed and 4312 breast cancer deaths. Survival to death from breast cancer was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier estimate, for all cases in each county, and separately for cases of women participating and not participating in their last invitation to screening. Formal statistical comparisons of survival were made using proportional hazards regression.ResultsAll counties showed a reduction in the hazard of breast cancer death with participation in screening, but the reductions for individual counties varied substantially, ranging from 51% (95% confidence interval 46–55%) to 81% (95% confidence interval 74–85%). Survival rates in nonparticipating women ranged from 53% (95% confidence interval 40–65%) to 74% (95% confidence interval 72–77%), while the corresponding survival in women participating in screening varied from 80% (95% confidence interval 77–84%) to 86% (95% confidence interval 83–88%), a considerably narrower range.ConclusionsDifferences among counties in the effect of screening on breast cancer outcomes were mainly due to variation in survival in women not participating in screening. Screening conferred similarly high survival rates in all counties. This indicates that the performance of screening services was similar across counties and that detection and treatment of breast cancer in early-stage reduces inequalities in breast cancer outcome.

Evidence based mammography screening: is evidence changing?

Population-based mammography screening programmes were launched by developed countries in the latter half of the twentieth century based on the promising evidence on mortality benefits reported by the earliest randomised control trials (RCTs). It was widely accepted that screening mammography significantly reduced breast cancer mortality in women invited for screening. However, since the first RCT in the 1960s, varying evidence has been tabled by many researchers, sometimes alarming the public, drawing attention to the harms of screening mammography, mainly identified as overdiagnosis and false positives. While overtreatment is recognised as a consequence of over diagnosis, a relatively newer set of harms categorized under psychological distress have been highlighted as resultant from false positive screening tests. Currently, the magnitude of the harms of screening mammography remains uncertain. The most turbulent reviews on breast screening, however, were the queries into the well and long believed mortality benefits of mammography screening first tabled in the 1970s by the Canadian national breast screening study. A Cochrane review by Gotzsche and Jorgensen further added to the negative attributes of mammography screening as they concluded that the actual current mortality benefits are nonsignificant and smaller than that claimed by many RCTs which were poorly randomised. Although heavily criticized, sparks ignited by these reports have led many countries worldwide to conduct their panel discussions on evidence on population screening mammography. While many countries have decided to continue their programmes understanding the harms involved, Switzerland in this light has discontinued their population-based mammography screening programme. The debate continues; currently while not overlooking the mortality benefits of mammography, it is also understood that the mortality benefits are not solely due to mammography but are also contributed by other factors such as advancement in therapeutic measures and awareness on breast cancer created among the females. In this regard, critical evaluation of global literature is imperative to make country-specific policy decisions for middle-income countries such as Sri Lanka, who are contemplating the options for expanding opportunistic mammography screening services to reach wider population screening targets.

A qualitative study to determine Kuwaiti Women's knowledge of breast cancer and barriers deterring attendance at mammography screening

IntroductionAlthough a Mammography Screening Service (MSS) has been established in Kuwait since 2014, the attendance rate for eligible women is only 4.2% in comparison to 72.1% attendance in the United Kingdom (UK) mammography screening service. The aim of this study was to determine Kuwaiti women's knowledge of breast cancer (BC), their attitudes toward BCS and the reasons for not attending Mammography Screening (MS). MethodsA pragmatic qualitative methodology was used which included the use of two focus groups conducted at two women only social organisations in Kuwait with a total of 23 women. One focus group was conducted at a social and cultural organisation; the second focus group took place at a social organisation whose primary role is the improvement of literacy though the use of religious scripture. Thematic analysis was applied to the recorded verbal transcripts from each focus group. ResultsThematic analysis revealed four major themes, accompanied by a series of subthemes (1) knowledge and awareness of BC health, (2) knowledge of MS (3) personal factors, (4) medical provision and social environment. ConclusionFindings suggest that participant's knowledge of BC and the decision to attend MS is influenced by a series of factors both personal and external. An increase in the awareness of BC, MS and the process of accessing MSS will enhance the uptake of MS among Kuwaiti women. Furthermore, doctors and health care providers will need to play a significant role in encouraging women to self-refer.

The impact of mammography screening programmes on incidence of advanced breast cancer in Europe: a literature review

BackgroundObservational studies have reported conflicting results on the impact of mammography service screening programmes on the advanced breast cancer rate (ABCR), a correlation that was firmly established in randomized controlled trials. We reviewed and summarized studies of the effect of service screening programmes in the European Union on ABCR and discussed their limitations.MethodsThe PubMed database was searched for English language studies published between 01-01-2000 and 01–06-2018. After inspection of titles and abstracts, 220 of the 8644 potentially eligible papers were considered relevant. Their abstracts were reviewed by groups of two authors using predefined criteria. Fifty studies were selected for full paper review, and 22 of these were eligible. A theoretical framework for their review was developed. Review was performed using a ten-point checklist of the methodological caveats in the analysis of studies of ABCR and a standardised assessment form designed to extract quantitative and qualitative information.ResultsMost of the evaluable studies support a reduction in ABCR following the introduction of screening. However, all studies were challenged by issues of design and analysis which could at least potentially cause bias, and showed considerable variation in the estimated effect. Problems were observed in duration of follow-up time, availability of reliable reference ABCR, definition of advanced stage, temporal variation in the proportion of unknown-stage cancers, and statistical approach.ConclusionsWe conclude that much of the current controversy on the impact of service screening programmes on ABCR is due to observational data that were gathered and/or analysed with methodological approaches which could not capture stage effects in full. Future research on this important early indicator of screening effectiveness should focus on establishing consensus in the correct methodology.

Breast cancer mortality and screening mammography in New Zealand: Incidence-based and aggregate analyses.

To investigate trends in breast cancer mortality in New Zealand women, to corroborate or negate a causal association with service screening mammography. Cumulated mortality rates from breast cancer deaths individually linked to incident cases diagnosed before and after screening commencement were compared, in women aged 50-64 (from 2001) and aged 45-49 and 65-69 (from 2006). Trends and differences in aggregate invasive breast cancer mortality (1975-2013) were assessed in relation to introduction of mammography screening targeting women aged 50-64 and 45-69. Joinpoint analysis was also undertaken. The reduction in incidence-based cumulated breast cancer mortality before and after the introduction of screening was -15% (p = 0.006) for women aged 45-69, and 17% (p = 0.005) for those aged 50-64. Aggregate mortality declined by -34% (2005-13 compared with 1992-98) in the age group 50-64, and by -28% among women aged 45-49 and -25% among women aged 65-74. For women aged 50-64 the 2-joinpoint model shows a 1990 turning point, from prior rising mortality to a mean -1.8% decline per annum, coinciding with improvements in primary treatment of breast cancer; and a steepening of the decline (-3.0% p.a.) from the late 1990s, coinciding with the introduction of service mammography screening. Breast cancer mortality declines occurring since the advent of screening mammography in New Zealand are consistent with other incidence-based and aggregate studies of screening mammography in populations, individual-based cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials.

Mammography service screening and breast cancer mortality in New Zealand: a National Cohort Study 1999\u20132011

Background:This breast cancer mortality evaluation of service screening mammography in New Zealand, the first since commencement of screening in 1999, applies to the 1999–2011 diagnostic period. Individual-level linked information on mammography screening, breast cancer diagnosis and breast cancer mortality is used to analyse differences in breast cancer mortality according to participation in organised screening mammography, as provided by BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA).Methods:Women were followed from the time they became eligible for screening, from age 50 years (1999–2004) and 45 years (⩾2004). Breast cancer mortality from cancers diagnosed during the screening period from 1999 to 2011 (n=4384) is examined in relation to individual screening participation or non-participation during preceding person-years of follow-up from the time of screening eligibility. To account for changes from never- to ever-screened status, breast cancer mortality is calculated for each year in relation to prior accumulated time of participation and non-participation in screening. Breast cancer mortality is also examined in regularly screened women (screened ⩾3 times and mean screening interval ⩽30 months), and irregularly screened women compared with never-screened women. Statistical analyses are by negative binomial and Poisson regression with adjustment for age and ethnic group (Māori, Pacific women) in a repeated-measures analysis. Relative risks for breast cancer mortality compared with never-screened women, are adjusted also for screening selection bias, to indicate the extent of breast cancer mortality reduction in a population offered and not offered mammography screening. Prognostic indicators at diagnosis of breast cancer are also compared between different screening participation groups, including by grade of tumour, extent of disease (spread), multiple tumour status and maximum tumour size using χ2 statistics, t-tests and two-sample median tests.Results:For 1999–2011, after adjusting for age and ethnicity, breast cancer mortality in ever-screened women is estimated to be 62% (95% CI: 51–70) lower than in never-screened women. After further adjustment for screening selection bias, the mortality reduction in NZ is estimated to be 29% (95% CI: 20–38) at an average screening coverage of 64% for 2001–2011, and 34% (95% CI: 25–43) for recent screening coverage (2012–13, 71%). For irregularly screened women, the mortality reduction is estimated to be 31% (95% CI: 21–40), and 39% (95% CI: 22–52) in regularly screened women compared with never-screened women, after adjusting for age, ethnicity and screening selection bias (using recent 2012–2013 screening coverage of 71%). Ever-screened women diagnosed with breast cancer have more favourable prognostic indicators than never-screened women, with a higher proportion of localised cancer (63 compared with 46%), a higher proportion with a well-differentiated tumour (30 compared with 18%), lower risk of multiple tumours (RR=0.48) and smaller median tumour size (15 mm compared with 20 mm)—all differences are statistically significant (P<0.0001).Conclusions:This is the first total population cohort study of an established nation-wide screening mammography programme using individual-level information on screening participation and mortality outcomes from breast cancer. The findings are in accord with other mammography screening service evaluations and with randomised trials of mammography screening.

Factors contributing to low participation in mammography screening in Papua New Guinea

AimThe aim of this paper is to describe the current state of mammography screening services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and to document factors thought to contribute to low participation in the free mammography screening service at the Pacific International Hospital (PIH), Port Moresby. MethodWomen attending for mammography screening at PIH between August 2006 and July 2010 were invited to complete a survey investigating environmental, political, social, financial, cultural and health factors thought to be contributing to low participation in the mammography screening service.Ethics approval and permission to collect data was granted through the University of Papua New Guinea, School of Medicine and Health Sciences Research and Ethics Committee and by the Medical Director and Chief Operating Officer of PIH. ResultsThe reasons for low participation were found to be multifactorial; difficult environmental factors 42.86%; financial dependency factors 40.54%; cultural factors related to exposing the body 50.03%, social factors (sexual harassment) 77.6%, political factors 4.29% and health factors including poor health 54.54%. ConclusionThe study demonstrated that in this snapshot of PNG women, the low participation rate in the free mammography screening program at PIH was influenced by various interrelated factors inherent in both the PNG environment and culture, in particular lack of transport infrastructure, financial burden and sexual harassment. As low participation directly impacts upon the high breast cancer mortality in PNG women, a more comprehensive study of the women of PNG is required to validate this research.

The African American Women and Mass Media (AAMM) campaign in Georgia: quantifying community response to a CDC pilot campaign.

To evaluate whether a culturally appropriate campaign using "Black radio" and print media increased awareness and utilization of local mammography screening services provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program among African American women. The evaluation used a quasi-experimental design involving data collection during and after campaign implementation in two intervention sites in GA (Savannah with radio and print media and Macon with radio only) and one comparison site (Columbus, GA). We used descriptive statistics to compare mammography uptake for African American women during the initial months of the campaign (8/08-1/09) with the latter months (2/09-8/09) and a post-campaign (9/09-12/09) period in each of the study sites. Comparisons of monthly mammogram uptake between cities were performed with multinomial logistic regression. We assumed a p value <0.05 to be significant. We observed an increase of 46 and 20 % in Savannah and Macon, respectively, from the initial period of the campaign to the later period. However, the increase did not persist in the post-campaign period. Analysis comparing monthly mammogram uptake in Savannah and Macon with Columbus showed a significant increase in uptake from the first to the second period in Savannah only (OR 1.269, 95 % CI (1.005-1.602), p = 0.0449). Dissemination of health promotion messages via a culturally appropriate, multicomponent campaign using Black radio and print media was effective in increasing mammogram uptake in Savannah among low-income, African American women. Additional research is needed to quantify the relative contribution of campaign radio, print media, and community components to sustain increased mammography uptake.

Views of Mammography Screening Among U.S. Black and Hispanic Immigrant Women and Their Providers

Views of ethnic immigrant women's experiences about mammography screening are important to determine barriers to cancer screening. We explored perceptions and barriers about mammography screening and breast health services among Haitian, Hispanic, Portuguese, and Somali women (n = 51) using semistructured interviews. Providers (n = 19) offered insight into health system barriers. Content analysis was conducted using qualitative data from the 2011 Komen Massachusetts needs assessment. Grounded theory was employed to explore themes and patterns in narratives. Six themes represented knowledge, health care, culture, spirituality, survivorship, and health systems improvement. Results may inform breast health policies that impact ethnic immigrant women in Massachusetts.