Relevance of Health Economics in the Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Germany - the View of the Professional Association of Practicing Gynecologic Oncologists e.V. (BNGO).

The introduction of the Mammography Screening Program (MSP) in 2005 has changed the early detection of breast cancer in Germany significantly. We analyzed the frequency and ensuing health care costs of mammograms performed for the early detection of breast cancer before and after the introduction of the MSP. Furthermore, we analyzed the influence of the MSP on the demographics of physicians (gynecologists versus radiologists) performing mammograms in Germany. Whereas the number of 'curative' mammograms has decreased since the introduction of the MSP, 2 million 'curative' mammograms per year are still being performed in addition to the 4.6 million mammograms performed annually in the MSP at an additional health care cost of approximately €100 million per year. Only 12% of screening and 'curative' mammograms are being performed and evaluated by gynecologists.