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Mortality reductions due to mammography screening: Contemporary population-based data.
James A Hanley1, Ailish Hannigan2, Katie M O'Brien3
1Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Plos One
|December 21, 2017
Summary
Breast cancer screening in Ireland showed a 9% mortality reduction in the region with an earlier program. This indicates a conservative estimate of the full, long-term benefits of mammography screening.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Breast cancer screening programs aim to reduce mortality through early detection.
- The introduction timing of screening programs can impact observed mortality benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare breast cancer mortality rates between two Irish regions with staggered mammography screening program introductions.
- To estimate the steady-state mortality deficits attributable to the screening programs.
Main Methods:
- Age- and year-matched comparison of breast cancer mortality and stage 2-4 cancer incidence rates.
- Utilized data from the National Cancer Registry and Central Statistics Office (2000-2013).
- Adjusted rate ratios for between-region differences in background rates.
Main Results:
- Eligible cohorts in the earlier screening region (Region 1) had 9% lower breast cancer mortality rates compared to the later region (Region 2) (Ratio 0.88).
- Incidence rates of advanced-stage breast cancer (2-4) were lower in Region 2 before its screening began, suggesting pre-existing regional differences.
- Mortality reductions are still emerging in the earlier region, indicating the observed benefit is a conservative estimate.
Conclusions:
- Mammography screening programs are effective in reducing breast cancer mortality.
- The full impact of screening programs takes several years to manifest.
- Earlier implementation of screening programs yields greater long-term mortality benefits.
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