[Breast cancer screening in France]

From a general review of the literature on breast cancer screening, authors appointed by the parliament office for healthcare policy assessment (Office Parlementaire d'Evaluation des Politiques de Santé, OPEPS) demonstrate that, despite recent controversies, screening is both medically and economically effective. The organisation and specifications of screening are considered. The French situation is examined in the light of European recommendations and compared to other systems in place. After analysing the outcome of screening, particularly the results of the 2003 Cancer Plan, the authors considered the risks of screening, and the type of information given to women.