Two national mammography quality certification programs in Brazil: Framework and main outcomes between 2017 and 2021

Abstract

Background: This study aims to provide an academic medical overview of the framework and key outcomes of two mammography quality certification programs in Brazil.

Methods: These programs assess radiation dose and phantom image quality in mammography units through a postal system. Each unit that passes this initial assessment is required to submit a sample of copies of five complete examinations. The quality of the patient images and reports is then reviewed by radiologists and medical physicist experts. Additionally, the number of mammography units and mammography coverage in the target population, were assessed.

Results: During the study period, 1007 units applied to the certification programs, and 934 (92.8%) successfully passed the assessment of radiation dose and phantom image quality. Out of these, 556 (59.5%) also passed the review of clinical image quality and reports, earning certification. The main issues related to mammogram and report quality were associated with the performance of radiographers (in terms of positioning) and radiologists (in terms of interpretation). On average, there are more than two mammography units/10,000 women in the target group. The screening mammography coverage in this group is 26.3% for women relying exclusively on the public healthcare and 58.1% for women with private healthcare plans.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the suitability of the framework adopted by national mammography quality certification programs in a middle-income country. These programs are carried out by relatively small workforce and at reasonable costs, utilizing postal resources to cover the large number of existing mammographic units and the vast distances within the country.

Policy statement: All mammography services in Brazil must adhere to the quality requirements for examinations and reference values for radiation dose to women established by the Ministry of Health. This ensures standardized conditions for early detection of breast cancer and minimizes the risk associated with x-rays.

Keywords: Breast Cancer; Low- and -Middle Income Countries; Mammography; National Program; Quality Control.