Breast screening : is it necessary for Malta or not?

Abstract

Breast screening is an examination performed on a section of the population for the detection of occult disease - in this case breast cancer. The screenees are asymptomatic and therefore they are presumed to be healthy until proved otherwise. This research project was designed to evaluate the introduction of a breast screening program in Malta. The research tool were a set of screening criteria. If the criteria are fulfilled then breast screening is justified, if not, screening is not justified. The researcher concluded both from the evaluation of the data and from previous studies performed, that breast screening is justifiable and therefore necessary in Malta. On the basis of the findings, recommendations are proposed on how a breast screening program can achieve the greatest benefit both for the women themselves and ultimately for all Malta.