Breast conserving treatment for early cancers. Rationales, perspectives and techniques

The paper reviews the rationale for breast conserving treatment for early cancers; the different studies are presented as well as the technical limitations and problems involved by surgery and radiotherapy. Nowadays, breast conserving treatment includes a limited resection of the tumor followed by a course of radiation. This treatment allows to preserve the breast and spares a mutilation to the woman. It requires an early diagnosis of the disease, stressing the need for a well-designed screening program.