[1989 Basel Mammography Action]

To evaluate the compliance for a breast cancer screening program in the region of Basel, a mammography and a clinical examination has been offered free of charge to women between 40 and 60 years of age, especially to women with familial breast cancer. From September to November 1989, 602 women participated. Results were obtained from an epidemiologic questionnaire and a two-view mammography. The median age was 55.1 years. 70.2% of the women never had a mammography before. 28.8% indicated a history of familial breast cancer. So far 444 women have been evaluated. No pathological results were obtained in 84.8% In 10.7% a second examination has been recommended in the near future. In 4.5% the mammography led to an aspiration biopsy or surgical lumpectomy where 5 (1.2%) neoplasms have been detected. Due to the limited duration of the campaign and the invitation especially addressed to women at risk, our results are not comparable with large-scale screening campaigns known from the literature. Nevertheless, we succeeded to sensitize the female population for this kind of breast care. The overwhelming success shows that the basis for a large-scale screening program may exist.