Results of the first program of early detection of breast cancer through screening with mammography in Mexico

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant neoplasia worldwide. In emergent countries as Mexico, an increase has been shown in frequency and mortality, unfortunately, most cases in advanced loco-regional stages developed in young women. The success of breast screening in mortality reduction has been observed since 1995 in Western Europe and the U.S., where as many as 40% mortality reductions has been achieved. Most countries guidelines recommends an annual or biannual mammography for all women > 40 years of age. Methods: In 2005, FUCAM, a non-lucrative civil foundation in Mexico join with Mexico City government, initiated the first voluntary mammography screening program for women > 40 years of age residing in Mexico City's Federal District. Mammography was carried out with analogical mammographs in specially designed mobile units and were performed in the area of women's domiciles. Results: This report includes data from 96,828 mammographies performed between March 2005 and December 2006 and 73,232 in 2007. There were 1% in 2006 and 3.44% in 2007 of mammographies in BIRADS 0, 4 or 5 and 208 in 2006 and 212 in 2007 women with abnormal mammographies (27.7%) had breast cancer, a rate of 2.1% in 2006 and 2.8% in 2007, there were diagnosed in early stages in 54.75% (in situ or stage I or stage II A), 47% in stages II B or III and only 3% in stage IV, nevertheless 21% of those women with abnormal mammography did not present for further clinical and radiologic evaluation despite being personally notified at their home addresses. Discussion: The breast cancer rate of Mexican women submitted to screening mammography is lower than in European or North-American women. Family history of breast cancer, nulliparity, first pregnancy after 30 years, absence of breast feeding, previous breast surgery and increasing age are factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. Most cancers were diagnosed in women's age below 60 years (68.5%) with a mean age of 53.55 corroborating previous data published. It is mandatory to sensitize and educate our population with regard to accepting to visit the Specialized Breast Centers.