How to inform women about their breast cancer screening results: new recommendations published

The JRC has released 10 new evidence-based recommendations on how mammogram results and follow-up appointments should be communicated to women within screening programmes.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer through organised screening programmes can lead to more effective treatments and higher survival rates.

When women participate in breast cancer screening programmes, they are invited for mammography. The results of this test can be negative (i.e. everything looks fine and no suspicious lesions are detected) or further assessment could be needed.

In either case, the way that this information is communicated to women can have a strong impact on their quality of life and general well-being, especially in terms of the levels of stress and anxiety they experience. It can also influence their future participation and trust in breast cancer screening initiatives.

These newly published  recommendations indicate information needs during the screening process. They also contribute to the design of effective breast cancer screening programmes and to better informing women about their options.