Assessment of breast cancer opportunistic screening by clinical–pathological indicators: a population-based study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although some clinical -pathological features of breast cancers, such as the incidence of ductal cancer in situ (DCIS) and the diameter of invasive tumours, are sensitive indicators of early detection, comprehensive population-based studies of opportunistic screening are needed. METHODS: Cases of DCIS or invasive breast cancer diagnosed in 1996 -2007 were identified from the Ticino Cancer Registry (south of Switzerland). Time trends of age-adjusted incidence and mortality, as well as main clinical -pathological features, such as tumour diameter, AJCC stage and histological grade, were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 3047 incident cases of female breast cancer were identified. The proportion of DCIS with respect to invasive cases increased from 5.8% in the period

Population-Based Breast Cancer Screening With Risk-Based and Universal Mammography Screening Compared With Clinical Breast Examination

“…Our findings are in contrast to the view advanced by some that there is little benefit from mammography screening [13][14][15][16] and are consistent with the supporting view of the benefits of mammography screening reported in most systematic reviews and meta-analyses. 6,7,9,26,27 The conflicting opinions in this enduring debate may not be as relevant to Asian countries because the context is dif- ferent in Asian countries than it is in Western countries. The evaluation of the effectiveness of any screening method, including mammography, is highly dependent on background characteristics, attendance rates, awareness, quality assurance, and the evolution of mammography screening.…”

The descriptive epidemiology of female breast cancer: An international comparison of screening, incidence, survival and mortality

“…Breast cancer screening can be delivered through organised population-based screening programs or by opportunistic case finding. The opportunistic approach occurs when a screening test is offered to an individual without symptoms of breast cancer when they present to their health care practitioner for unrelated reasons [8,9]. In contrast, organised screening programs typically have national policies that specify those women who are eligible for screening, the interval for screening and a defined diagnostic process that includes the histological assessment required to confirm or exclude breast cancer [3].…”

Clinicopathological significance of calreticulin in breast invasive ductal carcinoma

“…5 Despite advances in early detection techniques, about 80% of all diagnosed cases are invasive, with the majority accounted for by invasive ductal carcinoma in which malignant cells have already breached the basement membranes to permeate surrounding breast tissues. 6 Unlike ductal carcinoma in situ, which is still confined within its basement membrane, invasive ductal carcinoma has the potential to spread to lymph and blood systems and to distant sites. The heterogeneity of breast cancer translates to potentially variable treatment responses.…”