[Planning, implementation and evaluation of cancer screening programs].
Members of the Cancer Epidemiology Work Group within the German Epidemiology Society and Dr Antes of the German Cochrane Center will present a review of the epidemiological aspects of cancer screening programs. Prior to the implementation of a cancer screening program, there should be clear evidence from randomized controlled trials showing a disease-specific mortality reduction by screening. For target entities with the potential to reduce incident invasive cancers- such as cervical and colorectal cancer - the search of evidence should also include cancer incidence reduction. Monitoring of the screening program is essential and should include: the test, the assessment of test-positives, therapy or other interventions, and a cause of death evaluation. It is important to show that the benefit of a mortality reduction is not outweighed by adverse screening effects. In the past, German cancer screening activities were lacking essential components of screening programs like a central unit inviting the target population, standardized documentation and reporting as well as independent audits. The new Mammography Screening Program for the first time offers a screening test in Germany that is embedded in a quality monitoring program evaluating at least intermediate outcome parameters.
Giersiepen
Klaus
K
Bremer Institut für Präventionsforschung und Sozialmedizin (BIPS). giersiep@bips.uni-bremen.de
Hense
Hans-Werner
HW
Klug
Stefanie J
SJ
Antes
Gerd
G
Zeeb
Hajo
H
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*