The average global coverage rate of breast cancer screening across 75 countries and regions was 50.2% (95% CI: 36.6-58.8), with higher coverage observed in the 50-69 age group.
Systematic Review (n=75)
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Global breast cancer screening coverage remains suboptimal at an average of 50.2%, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to improve screening rates.
Abstract Background: The coverage rate of breast cancer screening is a key indicator for measuring the effectiveness of screening. Comprehensive studies on the global coverage rate of breast cancer screening are still insufficient at present, and existing evidence suggests that screening rates remain suboptimal in many regions. Therefore, this study aims to systematically assess the current status of global breast cancer screening programs and focus on analyzing their coverage. Based on existing data, we have systematically sorted out and presented the implementation of breast cancer screening at the global, regional and national levels. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases (from their inception to August 12, 2025), and supplemented the search with relevant official websites and the World Health Organization database. A total of 75 countries and regions' breast cancer screening policies and coverage data were included. The following key information was incorporated: screening methods, screening intervals, and specific circumstances of providing free services, etc. On this basis, we further analyzed the specific contents of breast cancer screening guidelines in various countries and systematically evaluated the global differences in screening coverage. To deeply explore the influencing factors behind the differences, detailed subgroup analyses were conducted based on the Human Development Index (HDI) level, continent distribution, World Health Organization (WHO) regions, and different age groups. The systematic review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251233260). Results: Among the 75 countries and regions included, 35 (46.7%) countries have established official breast cancer screening guidelines. Regarding screening methods, mammography/digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is the most commonly adopted approach, used in 49 (65.3%) countries. In resource-limited countries and regions, clinical breast examination (CBE) is the most frequently recommended screening method. The average coverage rate of breast cancer screening is 50.2% (95% CI: 36.6%-58.8%). Stratified analysis by age shows that the screening coverage rate in the 50-69 age group is significantly higher than that in the 40-49 and 70-79 age groups. Conclusions: At present, the coverage rate of breast cancer screening in most countries around the world remains at a relatively low level. To bridge this gap, it is necessary to systematically identify influencing factors, formulate targeted strategies, and actively promote their implementation to effectively enhance the coverage level of breast cancer screening. Citation Format: Jiaqi Guo, Ruijun Xin, Xiaomei Wu, Bo Zhu. Analysis of variation in global breast cancer screening indicators: A systematic analysis abstract. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 5114.
Guo et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Breast cancer (n=75). Breast cancer screening was evaluated on Average coverage rate of breast cancer screening (95% CI 36.6-58.8). The average global coverage rate of breast cancer screening across 75 countries and regions was 50.2% (95% CI: 36.6-58.8), with higher coverage observed in the 50-69 age group.