Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the major cancer affecting women in the UK, and screening by mammography provides an opportunity to significantly reduce mortality from the disease. The National Breast Screening Programme began in 1988 and is being phased in over a three year period. As has clearly been demonstrated with cervical cancer screening, the active involvement of GPs and their staff is essential in obtaining high levels of the programme's acceptance. This title in the "Practical Guides for General Practice" series includes brief introductory sections on the epidemiology, pathology and early diagnosis of breast cancer. This is followed by a detailed description of the organization and administration of the screening programme and a section on providing information to women. The lists of addresses of national organizations have been amended for this Scottish edition.