Breast cancer: Early detection

Abstract

The early diagnosis of breast cancer is the most important and challenging aspect of breast imaging. Early detection means detection in a preclinical detectable stage, preferably before dissemination. Data from the Swedish Two-County Study demonstrated that if tumors are diagnosed under 15 mm in diameter, the probability of axillary involvement is very low. The European protocol for breast cancer screening recommends that in organized screening programs the proportion of tumors less than 10 mm should be more than 50%, the rate of DCIS more than 20%. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.