A review of breast cancers found in the Welsh Family History screening programme

Mammographic screening for women at increased risk due to a family history commenced in 2001 in Wales. Forty-one cancers have been found, and 31 were screen detected. One-half were in the high-risk category.

Of the high-risk cancers, 47% were grade 3 and 41% were node-positive, despite annual screening. Ductal carcinoma in situ was frequently found, and 75% of this was of high nuclear grade. In the moderate-risk group there was an even spread of cancer grade, fewer cases of ductal carcinoma in situ and no node-positive tumours.

The most common mammographic findings were calcification and glandular asymmetry.