Results of the First Pilot Study on the Feasibility of Applying a Breast Cancer Screening Program in Libya

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and the second cause of death among women worldwide. Screening attendance is associated with a mortality reduction of at least 30% and a 40% lower risk of advanced disease. We conducted this pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of applying a breast cancer screening program in Libya. Methods: Volunteer health care professionals from Sirte Oncology Center have visited the two largest schools in Sirte city and invited all women teachers whose ages are 40 years in these two schools (104 women) to attend an educational lecture about the risk of breast cancer and the importance of screening for breast cancer. Teachers who agreed to participate in this screening program were interviewed by the breast cancer screening team and received their appointments for mammography and subsequently classified according to the mammography result into groups according to Breast Imaging Reporting And Data System (BIRADS). Results: Of 104 women invited, 103 were successfully interviewed, giving a response rate of 99.03%. Out of the 103 women who did mammography, 59 women were referred for breast ultrasound (US) examination. Out of these 59 women, 15 women declined the US examination. Breast US revealed a suspicious lesion in only one woman who also declined further assessment. Conclusions: There is an excellent response rate to invitation probably because all invited women are educated (teachers). More number of radiologists and other screening staff is needed so that breast US and further assessment by biopsy can be done immediately.