Detection of localized breast cancer by prospective mammographic screening criteria

From 1983 to 1986, 1110 gynecology office patients met our prospective mammographic screening criteria. Ninety-eight mammographically guided, needle-localized breast biopsies were performed on 89 patients (8.0%). Twenty-one nonpalpable breast cancers (22.0%) were diagnosed in 18 patients with these methods. Treatment alternatives chosen in patients with positive biopsy specimens are presented. The importance of establishing consistent criteria for mammography and breast biopsy in the early diagnosis of localized breast cancer is discussed. The unique opportunity of the gynecologist to change the morality rate of breast cancer is emphasized.