Assessment of the Iraqi Breast Cancer Early Detection and Downstaging Program: Mammography Cancer Detection Rate

Background: In Iraq, early detection and downstaging of breast cancer programs were launched to control breast cancer (BC) in 2000. In the program model, mammography is conducted for normal and symptomatic women. The aim of this study is to assess the program’s model effectiveness in terms of mammography cancer detection rates and other screening determinates in the Iraqi Early Detection Program. Method: This is a retrospective study based on data attained from the Breast Disease Treatment Centre (BDTC) in Sulaimani, Iraq. From September 2016 to August 2021, 35,045 women visited the centre for BC screening and diagnosis of breast disorders. In BDTC, 16,186 mammograms and 1,289 biopsies were conducted, and 404 women were diagnosed with BC. This study measured the percentage of women who visited BDTC for screening, the women’s ages at diagnosis, the cancer detection rate (BC per 1,000 women visiting), mammography detection rate (BC per 1,000 mammograms) and the percentage of positive core biopsies. Results: The cancer detection rate (CDR) in 1,000 women was 11.53, the overall mammography detection rate was 24.96, and the highest rate was observed in 2018 (42.2). The overall percentage of positive core biopsies was 31.34%. The highest percentage biopsy rate was in 2017 (43.84%). From 2016 to 2021, the percentage of visits for screening increased gradually, rising from 9.5% to 28.6%. Conclusion: The early detection program in Iraq is considered to be effective in terms of high mammography cancer detection rates and the percentage of positive biopsy. Compared to the previous data, more women participated in the program for screening than for diagnosis.