Surveys on mammography frequency in Geneva

Abstract

Two surveys were conducted in Geneva, in 1991 and 1995, to assess the coverage of mammography before the introduction of a breast cancer screening programme. Women who attended for mammographies did so at their own request, or were referred by doctors (more by gynaecologists than general practitioners). In 1995, the total female population was around 200 000, of which the target population for screening (age group 50 to 69) was 46 000 persons. The total number of mammographies observed increased by 23%, with a higher increase for “routine” mammographies (+35%). However, these figures hide certain trends, with a high proportion of educated women performing regular breast investigations. The two year coverage rate for mammography among the 50 to 69 age group is estimated at 38%, which means that about 20 000 women within this target population in Geneva still escape screening.