Mammography screening. Evidence-based evaluation of mammography-based breast cancer screening programmes

Project lead: Philipp Radlberger
Duration: October 2006 - July 2007

Research question/objective: During the last 20 years mammography screening programs for 50-69 years old women grew in importance and nowadays are even directed in their implementation by EU-Guidelines. Such mammography screening programs have important clinical and economic consequences: With high quality assurance one can expect an early detection of breast cancer and a relative reduction of breast cancer mortality of 20-30% which corresponds to an absolute reduction of 2-3%. For evaluating cost effective implementation of such programs it needs a catalogue of determinants containing clinical as well as organisational and economic parameters of result evaluation. In view of performance, Salzburg's mammography screening model shall be scientifically supported by the development of a determinants catalogue, based on long term-experience of other countries such as Canada, Great Britain or Sweden.

Methods: Overview and systematic analysis of best practice models and performance determinants

Content: Systematic review of international performance determinants, guidelines for clinical and organisational quality assurance and for certification of breast cancer assessment centres; catalogue of performance determinants and cost analysis

Publication: HTA-Projektbericht 07

Contact: Philipp Radlberger