Original Title: Información necesaria para el análisis del impacto del programa de detección precoz del cáncer de mama

Authors' objectives: The aims of this study were as follows: - Select the indicators required to evaluate the impact of the Early Breast Cancer Detection Programme in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (CAPV). - Analyse the existing information or the data collected routinely in computerised databases, in order to detect possible shortcomings and recommend appropriate modifications to enable an overall assessment of the Breast Cancer Detection Programme (PDPCM) in the future. - Present a preliminary assessment of the short-term results of the Early Breast Cancer Detection Programme in the CAPV.

Authors' results and conclusions: After analysing the data from the first series of the aforementioned programme, it was observed that the PDPCM detects breast cancer in the initial stages, implying that in most cases, the surgery done is more conservative. With regard to the primary aim of this study, namely to analyse the need for information in order to enable a thorough evaluation of the impact of the Early Breast Cancer Detection programme, the following conclusions have been drawn: The databases of the Hospital and Population Cancer Registries present a number of shortcomings and limitations in the data gathering process required to undertake a thorough evaluation of the results of the PDPCM. Tumour extensions must be recorded in accordance with the TNM classification and a single identification number must be allocated to each person in order to be able to link the information existing in different databases and to be able to determine which patients have been subjected to the same process in different centres. Likewise, in order to perform a satisfactory survival study, it is absolutelyfnecessary to know the date of death of all the cases recorded, and it is also essential to determinefthe cause of death.

Authors' recommendations: The following recommendations are made: 1. That the Hospital Cancer Registry record tumour extension data according to the TNM classification and correct the variable that specifies whether the cancer has been diagnosed within a screening programme or not, in initial screening, in a subsequent programmed visit or in a subsequent non programmed visit and to incorporate new categories to specify whether it is an interval cancer. 2. That the data indicated above be collected specifically for cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the CAPV outside the screening programme, from the beginning of the programme in 1996 to the date on which this data was collected routinely in cancer registries. 3. That a single personal identification number be allocated and that this number be used in all the computerised health and non health databases, in order to be able to compare data on the same patient in different databases.

Authors' methods: A bibliographical search was carried out and a review was made of the literature published on the evaluation of the impact of breast cancer screening programmes. The indicators that might be used to do this were put forward, in particular the speciQ c mortality due to breast cancer and survival, and an analysis was made of their potential and limitations. An initial assessment was made of the impact of the screening programme, using the intermediate results indicators proposed in the European mammographic screening quality guarantee guide.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2006

URL for published report: https://www.euskadi.eus/contenidos/informacion/2006_osteba_publicacion/es_def/adjuntos/2006/d_06-02_cancer_mama.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Spain

Organisation Name: Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: C/ Donostia – San Sebastián, 1 (Edificio Lakua II, 4ª planta) 01010 Vitoria - Gasteiz

Contact Name: Lorea Galnares-Cordero

Contact Email: lgalnares@bioef.eus

Copyright: <p>Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment, Health Department Basque Government (OSTEBA)</p>