Impact of mammographic screening in New South Wales

Excerpt

Organised mammographic screening for breast cancer was introduced in New South Wales (NSW) Australia in 1988, starting with two pilot projects. Screening was extended throughout the state from 1991 with most areas covered by 1994. The goal of the programme is to reduce breast cancer deaths in the target age group (50-69 years) by 30%. As screening is introduced, a large increase in incidence of early breast cancers should be observed which should then be followed by a decrease in advanced cancer incidence. This in turn should lead to a reduction in mortality. An increase in the proportion of small tumours occurring after the introduction of screening has already been reported. Changes in advanced cancer incidence and breast cancer mortality rates are now presented. …