BreastScreen program evaluated
The Australian Government has released an expert committee’s evaluation of the BreastScreen Australia program and said that the valuable program would continue.
The program has reduced the mortality rate in the key 50-69 years age group by 21-28% and the program is well accepted by women, broadly available and cost-effective.
The expert committee has made 19 recommendations as to how to improve, better target and expand the program.
The Government and the states and territories are currently working together to consider those recommendations with a view to these being further discussed at the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference in November.
BreastScreen Australia is a population based screening program that invites women aged 50-69 years for screening for breast cancer at two-yearly intervals. Women aged 40-49 years and 70 years and over are also eligible for screening. The aim of the evaluation was to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the program in reducing breast cancer mortality through early detection, and to identify gaps in delivering the program.
The committee supports the continued two-yearly screening of women aged 50–69 years, noting that this group offers the greatest potential for further reducing mortality rates through increased participation.
The committee also recommends better targeting of women in screening for breast cancer to ensure those most at risk are able to access free screening.
The report was completed by a committee comprised of Australian and international experts, and state and territory and consumer representatives.
The report is available at http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au
