Service screening with mammography in Sweden--evaluation of effects of screening on breast cancer mortality in age group 40-49 years

The aim of the study was to develop a model for estimating the effect of the nation-wide service screening program with mammography on breast cancer mortality in Sweden. In 1997, the introduction of population-based service screening had been completed in all 26 counties. In approximately half of the counties suitable for evaluation, the lower age limit for invitation was 40 years (study population) and in the other half the age limit was 50 years (control population). The numbers of females aged 40-49 years for the two populations were 202 152 and 237 279, respectively (1988). The study and control populations were compared for the period 1986-1996 with regard to refined breast cancer mortality. To adjust for geographical differences, the period 1976-1986 was used as reference. With a mean follow-up time of 8 years, the estimated relative risk of breast cancer death in relation to invitation to service screening among women aged 40-49 years at breast cancer diagnosis was 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.72-1.15). These findings were compatible with those presented in the previous overview of the Swedish randomized studies.