Screening for breast cancer: opportunities, status and challenges

Screening mammography and physical examination have made major contributions to the earlier detection of breast cancer. Mammography is the only reliable means of detecting nonpalpable cancers and can detect many minimal breast cancers when they appear to be curable. Low-cost, high-quality mass screening mammography, accurately interpreted, is feasible and could reduce overall mortality from breast cancer if it were more widely applied. Recognition of the need and desire to provide the service are essential initial motivating factors. The challenge to radiology is to obtain sufficient competent personnel and facilities.