The Swiss Medical Board specialist committee has investigated the extent to which systematic mammography screenings meet the criteria of effectiveness, usefulness and efficiency stipulated by health insurance law. In its report, it advised against systematic screening; instead, it recommends thorough medical assessment and, for women affected, clearly understandable information describing the desirable and undesirable effects before they opt to receive mammography screening. The sponsors have acknowledged the report; at the same time they have initiated specialist discussion in the context of a post-publication review.