Screening Objectives

The main objectives of the screening process are:

To ensure that an appropriate, timely and accessible screening invitation is available to all Egyptian women and improve early detection and treatment of breast cancer specially for women residing in high-density housing and remote areas which are completely underserved and have even a fraction of essential health services available to them.

To ensure that all women receive high quality breast screening services with up to date, accurate, and appropriate diagnosis.

To promote effective face to face communication with women, thereby ensuring clear and unambiguous information is given about breast screening and the processes involved.

Provision of a comprehensive statistical data on breast cancer burden and trends on incidence, prevalence, mortality and survival in Egypt.

The screening project consists of full field digital mammography units placed placed in general hospitals and on trailer trucks connected via video SAT and ADSL to a center of excellence so that images can be transmitted from a mobile unit in rural areas to the center of excellence for further diagnosis by senior radiology consultants. Immediate reporting allows patients who require follow-up to get their results and obtain additional work-up. Based on the findings of their initial mammograms, patients will be directed to the nearest hospital to receive adequate treatment.

This screening is done on an annual basis for each woman where, the old images can be retrieved and compared to the new images done, thereby increasing sensitivity & specificity of screening.

The program will be carried out in 5 phases preceded by a one year pilot phase to field test and validate the business plan of the project. This phase will highlight the major problems encountered before starting the actual program implementation and will allow the concept of mobile services to be tested and its effectiveness demonstrated in a location within the country with a high population density. Each implementation phase will address a number of governorates. The target is to expand over a 5-year implementation plan, to reach the entire governorates.