2022 IB Diploma Extended Essays

2,230,000 mammograms were conducted in the United Kingdom than Belgium’s 1,400,000

and Switzerl and’s 374,200 .

During the pandemic, the number of mammograms significantly decreased from 2,230,000 to

1,190,000 within the United Kingdom. This is due to the cessation of non-essential

mammogram screening within this region. As a result, it can be inferred that majority – if not

all – of the mammograms during this time are essential mammograms of current cancer

patients. It should also be noted that women with breast cancer symptoms are also able to

receive a mammogram screening, making up the total of 1,190,000. The decrease in the

number of mammograms in both Belgium and Switzerland could be explained from the fear

of contracting this virus in public places such as hospitals.

Evaluating development relative to disease management

Management of breast cancer screenings through a decentralised system

The key aspect of the Bismarck model is that it allows provinces in countries like Switzerland

and Belgium to manage their hospitals and prioritise the health of their citizens without

government intervention. Consequently, "it is the task of the 26 cantons (states) to organize

the provision of health services for the population of around 7 million people” (K Wyss,

2000). As such, both countries were able to sustain breast cancer screening rates throughout

the lockdowns. Thus, an assumption can be made that at least some, if not all, mammogram

screening services were continued.

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