Implementation of a population-based breast cancer prevention program in Poland before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Poland in comparison with other countries

Abstract

Introduction. Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women in Poland and in the world. It accounts for about 24% of all cancer cases in Polish women. The aim of this study was to analyze the coverage of the population eligible for a population-based breast cancer prevention program in Poland before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and to compare the Polish data with data from other countries around the world. Material and methods. The study was based on epidemiological data related to the performance of mammography examinations among Polish women under the breast cancer prevention program. The results were compared with data from other countries around the world. Results. In the years 2014–2022, a significant decrease was observed in the number of mammography examinations among Polish women under the population-based breast cancer prevention program. Conclusions. A continuous decrease in the number of preventive examinations in Poland is related not only to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to the discontinuation of sending paper invitations for mammography under the breast cancer prevention program.