Screening for breast cancer

Mammographic screening for breast cancer commenced in the UK in 1988 following the recommendations of the Forrest Committee and is now well established. This article reviews the evidence for efficacy of mammographic screening, the mode of delivery of the service including the assessment of mammographic abnormalities and the role of needle biopsy in diagnosis. Despite the established position of breast screening in the UK there are continuing challenges, not least workforce issues and the recent extension of the programme. There is increasing interest in the use of digital mammography and research continues into the possibility of computer-assisted detection (CAD) of mammographic abnormalities.