Key Points

• Nationwide in 2021–2022, 5,128,638 women underwent screening mammography as part of the PNDOCS. For every 100 women screened, the rate of positive screenings was 7.7 before and 3.7 after diagnostic evaluations, and the cancer detection rate was 0.79. Among all cancers detected by the PNDOCS, 13.5% are ductal carcinoma in situ. Among the invasive cancers detected, 33.6% are 10 mm or smaller. These figures are consistent with most other European screening programs.

• At the regional and departmental levels, geographical variations are observed regarding the rate of positive screenings prior to diagnostic evaluations. These variations are reduced when considering the rate of positive screenings following diagnostic evaluations. Most diagnostic evaluations include an ultrasound.

• The rates of detected cancers vary significantly from one region and department to another: higher rates are observed in Hauts-de-France, and lower rates in the Overseas Departments and Regions. These results are consistent with the geographic incidence of this cancer. The rates of detected cancers in French Guiana may appear high, but the results should be interpreted with caution because participation in the PNDOCS is very low in French Guiana.

• In mainland France, the proportions of cancers with a good prognosis (in situ cancers and small invasive cancers) are higher in Île-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. These two regions are highly urbanized with a high concentration of medical and technological resources.