[Screening for cervical and breast cancer]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Cancer screening programs significantly reduce mortality for cervical and breast cancers.
• Germany is transitioning cervical cancer screening to an organized program, aligning with breast cancer screening structures.
• Participation rates in German screening programs remain suboptimal, around 50% in recent years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the evolving strategies for cervical and breast cancer screening in Germany.
• To highlight the shift towards human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical cancer screening.
• To emphasize the importance of evaluating the benefits and harms of cancer screening.

Main Methods:

• Description of current breast cancer screening protocols in Germany (annual clinical exam, biennial mammography for ages 50-69).
• Introduction of organized cervical cancer screening from 2018.
• Primary reliance on 5-year HPV testing for cervical cancer, with cytology (Pap smear) as an option.

Main Results:

• Cervical cancer screening will adopt an organized program structure.
• Future cervical cancer screening will primarily utilize HPV testing every 5 years.
• Mammography screening is offered every 2 years for women aged 50-69 in Germany.

Conclusions:

• Organized screening programs are crucial for reducing cancer mortality.
• The integration of HPV testing represents a significant advancement in cervical cancer detection.
• Continuous evaluation of screening program efficacy and participant engagement is essential.