Contemporary management of breast cancer

The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer have changed dramatically during the past two decades. The most important risk factor for breast cancer is advancing age; however, 80% of women with breast cancer have none of the currently identified risk factors. It is undeniable that early detection and treatment of breast cancer reduces morbidity and mortality, and mammography screening is the only method available to detect cancer at the earliest stage when it is most likely to be cured. Although a number of organizations have recommended breast conservation therapy (BCT) as the preferred treatment for early stage breast cancer, marked geographic variations in treatment occur. It is suggested that appropriate education programs be developed for physicians and women to increase familiarity with the selection criteria for BCT and to encourage objective discussions of the treatment options during the patient and physician encounter.