Mammography screening in Lithuania: program's course and its influence on the breast cancer epidemiological situation

In order to reduce mortality from breast cancer, mammography screening program (MSP) is recommended. In Lithuania, MSP began in 2005, however, neither the course of the program nor its effectiveness was not researched thus far. The aim of the study was to assess the course of the mammography screening program in Lithuania and its influence on changes in the epidemiologic situation of breast cancer in Lithuania. The main tasks were to assess the performance indicators, incidence and mortality, as well as changes in early and advanced stages of breast cancer, to establish the differences of pathological characteristics of breast cancer in groups of women who did and did not participate in program and sensitivity of the MSP as well to assess the ratio of interval cancers. The study found that in Lithuania participation in the program was insufficient, while the stage I breast tumours accounted for only 49 % of all identified tumours. There is an increase in breast cancer incidence in Lithuania and a slight decrease in mortality from this disease. The number of breast tumours diagnosed in the early stages is increasing, and decreasing in late stages, but the effect of MSP on these changes has not been established. The ratio of interval cancers in Lithuania and the sensitivity of the program are similar to those of other European countries. It is recommended that a system of centralized invitations has to be developed. It is necessary to create an information system of a MSP that collects data on the course and execution of the program and the impact indicators