Evaluation of the organized breast cancer screening program: results and trends in performance indicators since 2004 in mainland France

Introduction: The goal of the organized breast cancer screening program is to reduce breast cancer mortality by detecting the disease at an early stage. In France, since 2004, women aged 50 to 74 have been invited every two years to undergo a bilateral screening mammogram and a clinical breast examination. The images are reviewed by a first radiologist (L1) and, if necessary, supplemented by an immediate follow-up. All images deemed normal during the L1 review are re-reviewed by a second experienced radiologist (L2). The objective of this report is to present the performance of this program over the 2004–2014 period. Materials and Methods: Data are collected annually by departmental screening centers and transmitted to Santé publique France. Program performance indicators are calculated to estimate screening activity, screening results, and detected cancers. Results: After an initial increase (2004–2008) followed by stabilization (2008–2012), the participation rate declined, reaching 50.1% in 2016. It varies significantly from one department to another. Positive screening results prior to further evaluation in Stage 1 or Stage 2 decreased from 13.5% in 2004 to 8.7% in 2014. Following the screening process, the rate of detected cancers remained stable (7 per 1,000 in 2014). In 2014, for every 1,000 women screened, the following were detected: 1.0 ductal carcinoma in situ, 1.9 small invasive cancers, and 3.9 invasive cancers without lymph node involvement. These results have remained stable since 2004. The positive predictive value of a positive result prior to further evaluation, which has been steadily increasing since 2004, was 8.5% in 2014. Overall results at the various stages of the screening program vary according to screening round and age. Conclusion: Most performance indicators attest to the quality of the French program, a necessary condition for reducing mortality. Although accurately quantifying screening outside the program remains difficult, it will be necessary to better understand the reality of mammography-based breast cancer screening in France.

Author(s): Quintin Cécile, Rogel Agnès

Publishing year: 2019

Pages: 48 p.

In relation to

Our latest news

news

2026 “Sexual Behavior” Survey (ERAS) for men who have sex with men

news

Hervé Maisonneuve has been appointed scientific integrity officer for a...

Visuel illustratif

news

Public Health France 2026 Barometer: Launch of the Survey