Impact of Finnish Breast Cancer Screening on Rates
Author Information
Author(s): Anttila Ahti, Sarkeala Tytti, Hakulinen Timo, Heinävaara Sirpa
Primary Institution: Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine the impacts of the Finnish breast cancer screening programme on population-based incidence and mortality rates.
Conclusion
The study shows that breast cancer screening in Finland effectively reduces mortality rates from breast cancers, although the impact is smaller than expected.
Supporting Evidence
- Breast cancer incidence increased by 8% in the targeted age group of 50-69.
- Refined mortality rates from breast cancer decreased by 11.1% among women diagnosed in the screening ages.
- Localised breast cancer incidence showed an increasing trend, while non-localised breast cancer incidence decreased.
Takeaway
This study found that screening for breast cancer helps save lives, but it doesn't help as much as some earlier studies suggested.
Methodology
The study analyzed breast cancer data from the Finnish Cancer Registry using Poisson regression to assess incidence and mortality rates.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of screening status and incomplete coverage in older age groups could bias the results.
Limitations
The screening coverage was not complete for women aged 60-69, and there were other screening modalities that may have affected the results.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on women aged 40-69, particularly those aged 50-59 who were the main target of the screening programme.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI -19.4, -2.1
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website