The present state of screening for breast cancer

The results to date are convincing enough to justify recommending large scale mammography screening. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) Workshop on screening for breast cancer in 1986 concluded that "In countries where breast cancer is common and where the necessary resources are available, screening using mammography alone or mammography plus physical examination is applicable as public health policy." The Swedish government has recommended screening with mammography for all women aged 40-74. This recommendation repeatedly emphasizes the necessity of high-quality examinations interpreted by well-trained radiologists. Screening with mammography is bringing breast cancer patients to therapy at a far earlier stage in the development of the disease. This calls for a re-evaluation of therapeutic methods.