Mammography screening in Italy: 2009 survey

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• This report updates previous analyses of Italian breast cancer screening programs by the National Centre for Screening Monitoring (Osservatorio nazionale screening).
• Data reflect variations in program organization and management across different Italian regions.
• Screening programs are established in all Italian regions, with data collection ongoing since 2002.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of the performance and coverage of Italian breast cancer screening programs.
• To analyze key performance indicators including extension, participation rates, and cancer detection rates.
• To identify regional disparities and age-specific challenges within the screening programs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from Italian breast cancer screening programs for the year 2009.
• Calculation of theoretical and actual extension, participation rates, referral rates, and detection rates.
• Comparison of program performance across different regions and age groups.

Main Results:

• In 2009, 2,522,000 women aged 50-69 were invited, with 1,362,000 screened (actual extension 69.5%).
• Significant regional disparities exist, with southern Italy showing lower organized screening coverage (78%) compared to northern and central regions.
• Participation rates remained stable (crude 55-57%, adjusted 59-61%), but showed a decreasing trend towards the South. Detection rates varied by age, with higher referral rates and benign outcomes in younger women (50-54 years).

Conclusions:

• Despite stable participation, Italian breast cancer screening programs face challenges in achieving full coverage, particularly in southern Italy.
• Regional inequalities and age-specific diagnostic difficulties require targeted interventions.
• Further efforts are needed to optimize program reach and effectiveness across all regions and age demographics.