Screening mammography program delay recommended by Manitoba working group: issues for radiology

Assignment: A working group, appointed by government, examined the advisability of implementing a mammography screening program and prepared a cost analysis.

Present Manitoba activity (45,695) is a mixture of clinical mammography (10,000) and unorganized screening, mammographies (35,695) at an annual screening cost of $2.8 million. Canadian policy reports, program descriptions in other countries and critical reviews were analyzed. A steady-state clinical and financial model was constructed. A controlled screening program enrolling 80% of women 50-69 years will cost $2.6 million per year plus $0.65 million new clinical costs limited to 4 years. Recommendations; Six were made: delay implementation awaiting more evidence of benefit, discourage use in asymptomatic women under 50 years, develop information programs for women and health professionals, establish an advisory group and participate in research directed to a eventual decision.