Reduction of Advanced Breast Cancer Stages at Subsequent Participation in Mammography Screening

Weigel S, Heindel W, Heidrich J, Heidinger O, Hense HW

Abstract

Purpose: The decline in advanced breast cancer stages is presumably the most relevant surrogate parameter in mammography screening. It represents the last step in the causal cascade that is expected to affect breast cancer-related mortality. To assess the effectiveness of population-based screening, we analyzed the 2-year incidence rates of advanced breast cancers between women participating in the initial and in the first subsequent round. Materials and Methods: The study included data from 19 563 initial and 18 034 subsequent examinations of one digital screening unit (2