Analysis of the radiological detriment for premenopausal women in a breast early detection program during 2008

The Valencian Breast Cancer Early Detection Program (VBCEDP) started in the Valencian Community (Spain) in 1992. Up to now, 24 mammographic units have been installed all over the region. Mammography is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast cancer diseases in women. There is a health risk in the studied women due to ionising radiation that has to be estimated and controlled. A methodology to calculate approximately the radiological detriment in the VBCEDP has been developed based on Monte Carlo techniques. It has been used, as qualitative parameter, the average mean glandular dose from representative sample populations undergoing screening mammography (digital or screenfilm) from each of the twenty-four units in operation. The American College of Radiology Imaging Network reached to conclusion that digital mammography performed significantly better than film for pre and perimenopausal women younger than 50. Women who are undergoing the program are between 45 and 69. This fact allows us to study premenopausic women. Our group uses the software SCREENRISK to estimate induction and mortality rates in order to corroborate American conclusions in an European region. The obtained results confirm the American results about the application of digital mammography in pre and perimenopausal women younger than 50 years.