Simulation of breast cancer screening: quality assessment of two protocols.

Simulation of breast cancer screening: quality assessment of two protocols.

Carter Kimbroe J; Castro Frank; Kessler Edward; Erickson Barbara A

Journal for healthcare quality : official publication of the National Association for Healthcare Quality

2004

2004-12

Healthcare professionals must make breast cancer screening decisions without the help of clear answers in current medical knowledge. This study used computer simulation to evaluate two screening protocols. The American Cancer Society (ACS) protocol comprising self-breast examination, professional breast examination and annual mammography was evaluated versus annual mammography alone. The effective frequency of mammography and the cost in the ACS protocol doubles the cost of mammography alone. Breast self-examination and clinical breast examination contributes to increased cost without any added health effects. These study results could be applied by healthcare professionals to assist their decision making for breast cancer screening.

*Clinical Protocols; *Computer Simulation; *Practice Guidelines as Topic; Adult; American Cancer Society; Breast Neoplasms/*diagnosis/epidemiology; Breast Self-Examination/*standards; Female; Health Care; Humans; Mammography/*standards; Mass Screening/*standards; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Quality Assurance; Time Factors; United States

Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).

31–38

6

26