Breast Cancer Screening

Percentage of women 50-74 years of age who had a mammogram to screen for breast cancer

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Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancers, accounting for 15 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. (Howlader et al, 2016). In 2013, over 3 million women were estimated to be living with breast cancer in the U.S. and it is estimated that 12 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime (Howlader et al, 2016). 

While there are other factors that affect a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, advancing age is a primary risk factor. Breast cancer is most frequently diagnosed among women ages 55-64; the median age at diagnosis is 62 years (Howlader et al, 2016). The chance of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer in a given year increases with age. By age 40, the chances are 1 in 235; by age 50 it becomes 1 in 54; by age 60, it is 1 in 25 (National Business Group on Health, 2011). 

In the U.S., costs associated with a diagnosis of breast cancer range from $451 to $2,520, factoring in continued testing, multiple office visits and procedures. The total costs related to breast cancer add up to nearly $7 billion per year in the U.S., including $2 billion spent on late-stage treatment (National Business Group on Health, 2011). If breast cancer is detected through mammography screening and diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment may be less expensive (Feig, 2011).

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50-74 years (B recommendation). 

The decision to start screening mammography in women prior to age 50 years should be an individual one. Women who place a higher value on the potential benefit than the potential harms may choose to begin biennial screening between the ages of 40 and 49 years (C recommendation). (USPSTF, 2016) 

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening mammography in women aged 75 years or older (I statement). (USPSTF, 2016) 

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) as a primary screening method for breast cancer (I Statement). (USPSTF, 2016) 

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of adjunctive screening for breast cancer using breast ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, DBT, or other methods in women identified to have dense breasts on an otherwise negative screening mammogram (I statement). (USPSTF, 2016)

Higher score equals better quality

Howlader, N., Noone, A.M., Krapcho, M., Miller, D., Bishop, K., Altekruse, S.F., Kosary, C.L., Yu, M., Ruhl, J., Tatalovich, Z., Mariotto, A., Lewis, D.R., Chen, H.S., Feuer, E.J., and Cronin, K.A. 2016. "SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2013." National Cancer Institute. (December 5, 2016) http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2013/

National Business Group on Health. 2011. "Pathways to Managing Cancer in the Workplace." (May 8, 2012). http://www.tcyh.org/employers/downloads/Pathways_Managing_Cancer_2011.pdf

Feig S. 2011. Comparison of Costs and Benefits of Breast Cancer Screening with Mammography, Ultrasonagraphy, and MRI. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 38(1):179-96.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). 2016. "Screening for Breast Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement." Ann Intern Med. 164(4):279-296. doi:10.7326/M15-2886.

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Patient self-report for procedures as well as diagnostic studies should be recorded in 'Procedure, Performed' template or 'Diagnostic Study, Performed' template in QRDA-1. 

This measure evaluates primary screening. Do not count biopsies, breast ultrasounds, or MRIs because they are not appropriate methods for primary breast cancer screening.

TBD

Women 51-74 years of age with a visit during the measurement period

Equals Initial Population

Women who had a bilateral mastectomy or who have a history of a bilateral mastectomy or for whom there is evidence of a right and a left unilateral mastectomy.

Exclude patients whose hospice care overlaps the measurement period.

Women with one or more mammograms during the measurement period or the 15 months prior to the measurement period

Not Applicable

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For every patient evaluated by this measure also identify payer, race, ethnicity and sex

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