Update of international guidelines for breast cancer screening

Abstract

In the last decade, the number of breast cancer cases has increased by 35% worldwide. The screening mammography clearly reduces the relative risk of breast cancer mortality in women between 50 and 59 years old, the decrease being more important for the age range 60-69 years old. The United States of America together with international specialized groups recommend mammographic screening in women between 50 and 74 years old every 1-2 years, depending on the individual risk factors and on the patient’s desire. Japan’s position is that of recommending mammographic screening without clinical examination of the breasts for women between the ages of 40 and 74. In the European Union, population screening by mammography in women aged 50-69 has been recognized as a priority, along with the screening for cervical and colon cancer, since 2003. Romania presents a major delay in the implementation of organized screening of the population for breast cancer compared to other EU members, although the number of cases is increasing.