A national mammography database is a centralized, computerized method of data collection consisting of two possible parts: a national mammography audit and a system for monitoring and tracking patients. A national mammography audit refers to collecting and analyzing medical audit data of Individual mammography practices at a national level and is a critical step in Improving the interpretive component of mammography. The monitoring and tracking component refers to a centralized system that provides women and physicians with a recruitment and follow-up mechanism to optimize participation in mammography services.

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Mammograms from a statewide screening program were subjected to a blind review by a panel of expert mammographers. Ninety-five percent (173/182) of original normal mammograms and 53% (164/311) of original abnormal mammograms were reread as normal. In comparison with the expert panel community radiologists were more likely to request a repeat mammogram in 6 months than to interpret a mammogram as normal or address their uncertainty with an immediate diagnostic workup.

Breast biopsy is a common procedure for which few age-specific, population-based data are available. We identified all women who underwent breast biopsy in Rhode Island in 1989 by reviewing the specimen logs at each of 13 pathology laboratories. Among 425,000 women aged 15-97 years, 2685 underwent breast biopsy, for an overall rate of 6/1000. The rate increased with age, peaking among 45- to 54-year-olds and then declining in women over 75. Among those biopsied, 726 were diagnosed with breast cancer, for an overall biopsy positivity of 27%. In contrast to rate, positivity increased steadily with age. These results are within the range of estimates produced by smaller group studies.