Screening Programmes for Breast Cancer in Europe

Abstract

Organized screening for breast cancer is offered women aged 50–69 years in most European countries. Two-view mammography at biennial intervals is usually performed at stationary or mobile units by specially trained radiographers. The screening mammograms are usually read by two independent readers according to the European guidelines for quality assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Continuous quality assurance is necessary to guarantee high quality screening. Results from early performance measures are regularly monitored and compared to desirable and acceptable levels described in the European guidelines, or to guidelines created by the specific country/region. Quality assurance is a team effort of all screening professionals to ensure that all aspects of the screening service achieve optimal quality performance. The key professional personnel must hold the requisite professional qualifications in their own country and have undergone specific training before start working with mammographic screening. The knowledge and the skills shave to be maintained. There are pro and cons of mammographic screening and the women invited to the program need to be informed in a balanced way to make them able to do an informed choice of whether to participate or not.