Interval Cancers in NHS Breast Cancer Screening
Author Information
Author(s): Rachel L Bennett, Sellars S J, Moss S M
Primary Institution: Cancer Screening Evaluation Unit, Institute of Cancer Research
Hypothesis
What are the rates of interval cancers in the NHS Breast Screening Programme?
Conclusion
Interval cancer rates were higher than expected in the 24-month period after a negative screen.
Supporting Evidence
- Interval cancers accounted for approximately one third of all cancers in women screened during the study period.
- Overall interval cancer rates increased during the analysis period from 2.65 to 3.18 per 1000 women screened.
- Rates of interval cancers were similar across age groups 50–54, 55–59, and 60–64.
Takeaway
This study looked at breast cancer cases that were found between regular screenings and found that more women had interval cancers than expected.
Methodology
The study analyzed interval cancers identified in women screened between April 1997 and March 2003 using data from various cancer registries and screening centers.
Potential Biases
Regional differences in data exchange may lead to underreporting of interval cancers in some areas.
Limitations
Data for Scotland were not included, and some regions may have incomplete data exchange affecting the accuracy of interval cancer rates.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 50 to 64 who were screened in the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.43–0.76 for >0–<12 months, 0.92–1.47 for 12–<24 months, 0.93–1.57 for 24–<36 months
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website