Radical prostatectomies in Austria, 1997–2004

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The introduction of PSA testing in Austria led to a steep increase of the incidence of prostate cancer. We want to present the course of the number of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer in Austria since 1997, and set these numbers in relation to the total of radical prostatectomies (with resection of lymph nodes) in the same time period. All numbers were retrieved from health statistics of Statistics Austria. The report period of cancer cases and of RPE comprises the years 1997–2004. All calculations were performed for totals as well as for 5-year age groups (40–89 years of age).</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>The number of prostate cancer cases rose from 1997 to 2004 by 35%, while the number of RPE rose by 94% in the same time period. The proportion of RPE in relation to new cases rose from 41% in 1997 to 59% in 2004.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A slight decrease of prostate cancer mortality can already be observed in Austria, but the question of over-treatment still awaits analysis.</p

Introduction of organised mammography screening in tyrol: results of a one-year pilot phase

Background: Efficiency and efficacy of organised mammography screening programs have been proven in large randomised trials. But every local implementation of mammography screening has to check whether the well established quality standards are met. Therefore it was the aim of this study to analyse the most common quality indices after introducing organised mammography screening in Tyrol, Austria, in a smooth transition from the existing system of opportunistic screening. Methods: In June 2007, the system of opportunistic mammography screening in Tyrol was changed to an organised system by introducing a personal invitation system, a training program, a quality assurance program and by setting up a screening database. All procedures are noted in a written protocol. Most EU recommendations for organised mammography screening were followed, except double reading. All women living in Tyrol and covered by social insurance are now invited for a mammography, in age group 40-59 annually and in age group 60-69 biannually. Screening mammography is offered mainly by radiologists in private practice. We report on the results of the first year of piloting organised mammography screening in two counties in Tyrol. Results: 56,432 women were invited. Estimated participation rate was 34.5% at one year of follow-up (and 55.5% at the second year of follow-up); 3.4% of screened women were recalled for further assessment or intermediate screening within six months. Per 1000 mammograms nine biopsies were performed and four breast cancer cases detected (N = 68). Of invasive breast cancer cases 34.4% were ≤ 10 mm in size and 65.6% were node-negative. In total, six interval cancer cases were detected during one year of follow-up; this is 19% of the background incidence rate. Conclusions: In the Tyrolean breast cancer screening program, a smooth transition from a spontaneous to an organised mammography screening system was achieved in a short time and with minimal additional resources. One year after introduction of the screening program, most of the quality indicators recommended by the European guidelines had been reached. However, it will be necessary to introduce double reading, to change the rule for BI-RADS 3, and to concentrate on actions toward improving the participation rate

Breast cancer incidence and mortality in Tyrol/Austria after fifteen years of opportunistic mammography screening

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this study was to analyse breast cancer incidence and mortality in Tyrol from 1970 to 2006, namely after performing more than a decade of opportunistic mammography screening and just before piloting an organised screening programme. Our investigation was conducted on a population level.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To study time trends in breast cancer incidence and mortality, we applied the age-period-cohort model by Poisson regression to the official mortality data covering more than three decades from 1970 to 2006 and to the incidence data ranging from 1988 to 2006. In addition, for incidence data we analysed data on breast cancer staging and compared these with EU guidelines.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>For the analysis of time trend in breast cancer mortality in age groups 40-79, an age-period-cohort model fits well and shows for years 2002-2006 a statistically significant reduction of 26% (95% CI 13%-36%) in breast cancer mortality as compared to 1992-1996.</p> <p>We see only slight non-significant increases in breast cancer incidence. For the past five years, incidence data show a 10% proportion of in situ cases, and of 50% for cases in stages II+.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The opportunistic breast cancer screening programme in Tyrol has only in part exploited the mortality reduction known for organised screening programmes. There seems to be potential for further improvement, and we recommend that an organised screening programme and a detailed screening database be introduced to collect all information needed to analyse the quality indicators suggested by the EU guidelines.</p

The prevalence of smoking in Austria

Background. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed to assess smoking prevalence in Austria and to compare the results with data from 1986. Methods. A representative sample of Austrians (n = 2,400) who in 1995 were у15 years of age was obtained. A total of 2,065 respondents were interviewed about their smoking habits. Results. Approximately 31% of the population age у15 are regular cigarette smokers, 12% are former smokers, 6% smoke occasionally, and 51% have never smoked. Among males, the prevalence of regular smoking increases with age and reaches its highest level between the ages of 25 and 34. The age distribution among female regular smokers shows a similar pattern, peaking in the same age group (35.7% smokers). No significant differences in smoking prevalence were found according to monthly household income, years of school, and number of inhabitants at place of residence. At the time of interview 45.7% of male and 20.9% of female regular smokers consumed &gt;20 cigarettes per day. Compared with data from 1986 the prevalence of regular smokers increased from 18.1 to 24.2% among females and from 35.5 to 38.9% among males. Conclusions. Smoking prevalence increased in Austria between 1986 and 1995 by 33.7% among females and by 9.6% among males. Patterns of smoking among females (prevalence and cigarettes per day) are approaching those of males