[The PAM program for the early detection of breast cancer: the initial results (1987-1990). Programa de Detección Precoz de Alteraciones Mamarias]. / Programa PAM de detección temprana de cáncer de mama: primeros resultados (1987-1990).

We report the results of the PAM program for the early detection of breast cancer, carried out in Barcelona in females aged 50-70 years who were invited to participate by two personal letters. Out of 5435 invited females in the three years of the program, 37.2% responded to the first cycle and 70.8% to the second. The rate of detection of cancer was 6.9/1000 participating women in the first cycle. The validity of mammography was high, comparable to that from other countries. Sensitivity was 87.5%, specificity 99.1%, positive predictive value 45.2% and negative predictive value 99.9%. Letter would be insufficient as the only means of invitation to achieve a high participation rate in the first circle.