[Breast cancer screening: specific features of the French program]

The breast cancer screening program developed in France is an original model, adapted to the specific features of the French healthcare system. Both public and private mammographic units are involved with an active participation of practitioners in prescription and management. Two views per breast every two years together with physical examination are performed. An immediate diagnosis process is planned if an abnormality is detected. The French model is also a rigorous public health program involving prior training, strict organisation, quality assurance of all the process, double reading and epidemiologic evaluation. Logical benefits and difficulties of such a system are discussed.