SCREENING FOR BREAST-CANCER - REPORT OF A POPULATION-BASED EXPERIENCE IN THE CITY OF MILAN, ITALY

Aims and Background: Mammographic screening is recommended as a current health practice. The alm of the present study is to report the results of a new program which started in the city of Milan in 1989. Methods: A total of 4882 women aged 50 to 61 years and resident in quarter no. 16 of Milan were invited by mail to attend the screening at the San Paolo Hospital based on two-view mammography and physical examination. Results: A total of 2953 (60.5 %) women attended the first screening round, and 18 cancers were detected (1 Tis, 8 TI, 9 T2). The detection rate was 6.9 X 1000, and the prevalence/incidence ratio was around 3.5. Conclusions: The study confirms the feasibility of breast cancer screening in an urban setting by using the existing general hospital facilities and should be considered as a possible model for other urban experiences.