Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Screening in Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Puliti D, Miccinesi G, Collina N, De Lisi V, Federico M, Ferretti S, Finarelli A C, Foca F, Mangone L, Naldoni C, Petrella M, Ponti A, Segnan N, Sigona A, Zarcone M, Zorzi M, Zappa M, Paci E
Primary Institution: Clinical and Descriptive Epidemiology Unit, CSPO, Research Institute of the Tuscany Region
Hypothesis
Does service screening reduce breast cancer mortality in Italy?
Conclusion
The introduction of breast cancer screening programmes in Italy is associated with a reduction in breast cancer mortality.
Supporting Evidence
- Screening is associated with a 25% reduction in breast cancer mortality.
- 54% mortality reduction was observed when comparing screened women to never-respondent women.
- The study included 1750 breast cancer deaths and 7000 matched controls.
Takeaway
This study found that women who were invited to breast cancer screening were less likely to die from the disease compared to those who weren't invited.
Methodology
A matched case–control study with four controls for each case, assessing screening histories from a computerized database.
Potential Biases
Self-selection bias may influence the results as those who choose to be screened may differ from those who do not.
Limitations
The study may be affected by self-selection bias and misclassification of cause of death.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 50–74 years from five regions in Italy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.75
Confidence Interval
0.62–0.92
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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