Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Early Breast Cancer Requires Creative Interdisciplinary Teamwork

Abstract

The development of modern breast imaging methods has resulted in a paradigm shift in our approach to diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Regular mammography screening can bring about a profound change in the spectrum of the disease since it shifts the balance of breast cancers from mainly palpable to mainly impalpable cases, most of which are still localized to the breast. Interdisciplinary breast centers provide the environment for developing and sustaining the expertise and renewed commitment necessary to meet the challenge of detecting and defining preclinical breast cancer, and also tailoring the treatment accordingly. A consensus decision made by the specialists at a pretreatment planning conference is in the best interests of the breast cancer patient. Treatment will be more appropriate when early cancers are divided into groups with significantly different prognosis. This is a significant challenge for the breast team.