Facilitating adherence to ACS and NCI guidelines for breast cancer screening

1. Measures are needed to increase awareness of the incidence of breast cancer, and perhaps to increase the perception of susceptibility to breast cancer among all women. 2. Common reasons for noncompliance with the established guidelines include: fear of the carcinogenic effect of radiation, unfamiliarity with the guidelines, belief that mammography is ineffective, or fear that detection will necessitate mastectomy. 3. While cost, accessibility, and availability are critically important in enhancing public compliance, professional health care providers have a tremendous burden to obtain current information regarding the breast screening guidelines, and communicate the information to the public. 4. By helping to establish accessible and affordable breast screening programs, nurses have an excellent opportunity to play a role in the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer.