Breast cancer screening and diagnosis in the 21st century within the U.K

Post Reprod Health. 2015 Sep;21(3):105-11. doi: 10.1177/2053369115594954. Epub 2015 Jul 23.

Abstract

In the UK, breast cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females and carries with it a significant morbidity and mortality. An established national screening programme is in place to identify those with the disease at an early stage in order to optimise treatment and prognosis. This article provides an overview for the non-breast specialist clinician whose practice regularly deals with women who may be the subject of the screening programme. It outlines the diagnostic methods employed in the screening programme, the controversies that have surrounded it and the evolving technologies that will improve detection and diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords: Breast cancer; breast screening programme; diagnostics; radiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammography
  • Medical Overuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Risk Factors
  • State Medicine / organization & administration
  • United Kingdom