Results of National Breast Cancer Screening Program in Norway Published

The results of a research-based evaluation of the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening program, conducted between 2007 and 2015 show a dramatic reduction in mortality as a result of the program.

The program, which was conducted by The Research Council of Norway, indicates a reduction of mortality of between 20% and 30% for women in the age group 50–69, and followed to age 79, that were screened for breast cancer every other year, compared to those that were not screened. The results correlate with those of the majority of previous mammography screening trial reviews.

The objective of the evaluation was to find out whether the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening program achieved its primary goal of a 30% reduction in breast cancer-related mortality or not. The evaluation also recorded the extent of over diagnosis, the women's screening experience, and the cost-effectiveness of the program.

The program was launched as a pilot project in four Norwegian counties in 1995/1996 and became a national program in 2004, with the purpose of detecting tumors earlier. For every 10,000 women invited to 10 rounds of screening, approximately 377 cases of tumors or pre-malignant breast lesions were detected, and approximately 27 lives were saved as a result of early diagnosis and treatment. Approximately 142 women were over-diagnosed.

Prof. Roar Johnsen of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), said, “The most reliable studies indicate a 20% to 30% reduction in breast cancer mortality in women aged 50 to 69 who have been followed up until the age of 79. This reduction can be said to be close to the primary target of 30%. There is a large degree of uncertainty with these figures. Each woman must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of her own situation when deciding whether to accept the offer of free screening.”

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The Research Council of Norway