Recording of hormone therapy and breast density in breast screening programs: summary and recommendations of the International Cancer Screening Network.
Breast density and the use of hormone therapy (HT) for menopausal symptoms alter the risk of breast cancer and both factors influence screening mammography performance. The International Cancer Screening Network (ICSN) surveyed its 29 member countries and found that few programs record breast density or the use of HT among screening participants. This may affect the ability of programs to assess their effectiveness in reducing breast cancer mortality. Seven countries recorded the use of HT at screening, and some were able to link screening records to individual prescribing records of HT. Eight countries reported recording breast density at screening mammography for some or all women screened. The recommendations of the ICSN for recording information about breast density and HT are presented.
Cox
Brian
B
Hugh Adam Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. brian.cox@otago.ac.nz
Ballard-Barbash
Rachel
R
Broeders
Mireille
M
Dowling
Emily
E
Malila
Nea
N
Shumak
Rene
R
Taplin
Stephen
S
Buist
Diana
D
Miglioretti
Diana
D
D001208:Asia; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D019992:Databases as Topic; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000592:standards; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000592:standards; D009656:North America; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D013020:South America; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires