What should the detection rates of cancers be in breast screening programmes?
2005

Breast Cancer Screening Detection Rates

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Duffy S W, Gabe R

Primary Institution: Cancer Research UK

Hypothesis

What should the detection rates of cancers be in breast screening programmes?

Conclusion

The study suggests new minimum and maximum standards for detection rates in the UK breast screening programme that are consistent with observed rates.

Supporting Evidence

  • Minimum detection rates should be 4.1 and 4.3 at prevalence and incidence screens, respectively.
  • Expected rates should be 6.9 and 4.8, and maximum rates of 9.6 and 5.5.
  • The observed rates of 5.4 per 1000 at prevalence and 4.7 per 1000 at incidence screens satisfy both criteria.

Takeaway

This study looks at how many cancers should be found during breast cancer screenings and suggests new standards for these detection rates.

Methodology

The study estimates detection rates based on underlying incidence, screening intervals, mean sojourn time, and sensitivity.

Limitations

The projected underlying incidence rates differ from actual observed rates, indicating that trends in incidence may be more complex than modeled.

Participant Demographics

The study focuses on women aged 50-64 years in the UK.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95%

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6602345

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