[Did management of breast carcinoma progress in the 80s?]

During the last decade there have been important changes in diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer. Breast conserving surgery in patients with small tumors combined with radiation therapy has gained wide popularity due to better cosmetic results without significant changes in survival. Results in breast cancer treatment have been markedly ameliorated by early diagnosis and treatment. It is hoped that this will be accomplished by routine mammographic screening in asymptomatic women. In this retrospective study data of 398 breast cancers are analyzed. All patients underwent surgery between 1981 and 1988. To demonstrate changes in the stage at the time of diagnosis during the last decade, the material has been divided in two groups: group 1 represents the tumors diagnosed in 1981/82, and group 2 those diagnosed in 1987/88. Comparison of these two groups did not show any significant changes in cancer stage at operation during the last ten years. Screening programs are planned and have to be supported in order to ameliorate the results of breast cancer treatment. Intensive public information is necessary to motivate medical personnel and women for early breast cancer detection by mammography.