EMAS position statement: individualized breast cancer screening versus population-based mammography screening...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally, affecting over 10% in Western countries.
• Mammography screening is a standard method for early breast cancer detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critically evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of population-based mammography screening.
• Propose an improved approach for breast cancer screening.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review.
• Consensus reached through expert opinion.

Main Results:

• Mammography screening programs exhibit global variations in age ranges, screening intervals, and quality metrics (equipment, technique, reading protocols, recall rates).
• Screening sensitivity ranges from 70% to 94%, influenced by these program differences.
• Potential biases, including overdiagnosis, affect the reporting of screening outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Significant variability in mammography screening programs worldwide impacts effectiveness.
• Limitations of current population-based screening necessitate a move towards individualized screening strategies.