DOUBLE READING OF MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENING FILMS - ONE RADIOLOGIST OR 2

The effect of double reading on the number of breast cancers detected and the number of women recalled was examined in 15 457 women aged 50- 59 years attending for mammographic breast screening. All the screenin g mammograms were interpreted independently by two radiologists withou t knowledge of each other's findings. All the cases selected by either radiologist were then reviewed by both radiologists and a consensus d ecision made on whom to recall for further studies. This method of dou ble reading increased the number of breast cancers detected by 9% (P < 0.05) and decreased the number of women recalled by 45% (P < 0.001). Double reading of mammography screening films together with consensus decisions on the selected cases is recommended.