Women aged 50 to 74 are encouraged to undergo a screening mammogram every two years. This includes a clinical examination performed by a radiologist and two images per breast (frontal and external oblique), plus an additional image if necessary, as well as a routine second review in the event of a normal result. All costs are covered through direct billing (no out-of-pocket expenses). The program ensures equal access to screening throughout the country and guarantees every woman the same quality of care and coverage.

The French program utilizes existing medical facilities: mammograms are performed in both public and private radiology practices. Individuals who opt into the organized screening program choose their radiologist from the list of radiologists participating in the program. Radiologists commit to continuing education, conducting quality control of their practice’s mammogram interpretation process, and submitting mammogram interpretation reports to the administrative body, along with images of mammograms they deem normal for a second reading. The inspection of radiological equipment falls under the authority of the ANSM; it is mandatory for all devices, whether analog or digital, throughout the country, regardless of whether the radiologist participates in the program.
The management organizations coordinate the program at the local level and transmit the data necessary for evaluation to Santé publique France.

The data collected includes:

• age;

• the date of any previous mammogram for women participating in the mammography screening program for the first time;

• the result of the first reading and, if applicable, the second reading;

• the results of additional tests;

• anatomopathological and cytopathological details of the cancers detected.

Evaluation indicators