[Program of early detection of breast cancer in Castilla-la-Mancha. Preliminary data of the first 5 months of performance. Regional Group on the Evaluation of the Program of Early Detection of Breast Cancer].

Abstract

Background: A Breast Cancer Screening Programme managed by the Regional Ministry of Health in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) was started in November 1992 in two districts. The purpose of this study is to describe the short-term results after five months of running.

Methods:

Design: descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Setting: female population of Talavera de la Reina and Cuenca cities, from November 1992 to the end of March 1993.

Participants: 10.050 healthy women between 45-64 years old, who were invited, by personal letter, to attend a mammography unit.

Results: 6.503 women accepted the screening invitation (participation rate of 65%) without differences between both districts. The personal letter was the main information source to women, and the presence of beliefs, attitudes and favorable experiences were the main reasons to accept the screening. The rescreening was needed by 4% of women, and finally, 67 women (1.1%) were classified "positive". The programme cost for every women into the screening was 4.067 ptas.

Conclusion: According to these results, is it feasible as economically as from the point of view of the organization, to extend the programme in Castilla-La Mancha.