Breast Cancer Screening Program in Stockholm County, Sweden - Aspects of Organization and Quality Assurance

The population-based breast cancer screening program in Stockholm County was initiated in 1989. The program follows the recommendations issued by the Swedish Board of Health and Welfare, and is in agreement with guidelines from the European Commission. Individual data is available for all women in Stockholm County aged 40-69 years since initiation of the program in 1989. The participation rate exceeds 70%, the recall rate averages 3%, and the detection rate is 0.5%. The introduction of the breast cancer screening program in Stockholm County has reduced breast cancer mortality by 29% and among participants by 52%. The breast screening program is well organized and functioning, and well adapted to its purpose. Follow-up ensures a good quality process with the aim of reducing breast cancer mortality.