National Health Service breast screening programme results for 1991-2.
OBJECTIVE
To report the results of the NHS breast screening programme for the year March 1991 to April 1992.


METHODS
A report of statistics was derived from Körner (K62) returns and from the radiology quality assurance programme.


METHODS
Detection rates for breast cancer and small (< or = 10 mm diameter) invasive cancer, benign biopsy rates, and recall and acceptance rates.


RESULTS
The acceptance rate for screening across the United Kingdom was 71.3%. The referral rate for further investigation was 6.2% (regional 4.3-9.0%). The breast cancer detection rate was 6.2 cancers per 1000 women screened (5.1-9.0) and the detection rate of invasive cancers < or = 10 mm was 1.4/1000 (1.0-2.3). 72% of screening programmes reached the target 70% acceptance rate, and 95% of programmes achieved a recall rate of less than 10%. 75% of programmes had a cancer detection rate of more than 5/1000, but only 32% had a detection rate for invasive cancers < or = 10 mm of more than 1.5/1000.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the results of the screening programme for the year 1991-2 can be regarded as extremely satisfactory, given the size and complexity of the operation.
Cancer Screening Evaluation Unit, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey.
J
J
Chamberlain
S M
SM
Moss
A E
AE
Kirkpatrick
M
M
Michell
L
L
Johns
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom