The UK - In the 1990s, the nationally co-ordinated NHS Breast Screening Programme was already saving lives - a 21% fall in breast cancer mortality over the last decade and, with the cervical screening programme, this was viewed as among the best cancer screening programmes in the world. However, in that period, the country's cancer services, as a whole did not match up to those of other European…
Germany's Federal Committee of Physicians and Statutory Health Insurance Funds set up three model projects, based in Bremen, Wiesbaden and Weser-Ems, to trial the third edition of the European guidelines on healthcare within the German system and to develop the necessary organisational structures to make these work.
Interviewed by Daniela Zimmermann, Executive Director of EH, Jean Hooks, General Manager, Global Mammography at GE Healthcare, examined reasons behind the slow uptake of digital technology in some European countries, comparing this with its early adoption in the USA
Siemens Medical Solutions reports that the first installations have been completed in France, Germany, Italy and Sweden of its new all-in-one system for digital full-field mammography, named Mammomat Novation.
Austria is the only 'old' EU Member State that has not implemented a national breast cancer screening programme.
Mammography as a diagnostic procedure to evaluate detected tumours is not an issue. But because the technique is performed, in screening programmes, on apparently healthy people, for ethical reasons it becomes an issue.
Although X-ray mammography can detect small cancers before they have spread. However, because abnormalities can only be identified non-specifically, percutaneous or surgical breast biopsy must follow - but less than 20% of women recalled for biopsies have cancer.
Mammography plays a critical part in diagnosing breast cancer. Although this does not prevent the disease, diagnosing breast cancer as early as possible can save lives.
The Diagnostic Breast Centre Gottingen has opened the first European Women's Healthcare Centre (WHC). Professor Uwe Fischer, head of the new centre, said: "We have set ourselves the objective, with the help of ultra-modern systems and high-quality processes, to diagnose breast cancer in the very earliest stages."
Implants presently in use consist of a smooth or textured silicone shell filled with a silicone gel or saline solution. The latter has one decisive drawback - the breast may cool considerably in winter. Smooth silicone implants may also shift or turn.
Breast cancer (breast carcinoma; often abbreviated as BRCA) is the most common cancer in women in many countries and the cancer with the highest mortality rate. The diagnostic and therapeutic options for breast cancer are correspondingly diverse. Keep reading for latest developments in early detection, staging, treatment and research.
From Mammography to Tomosynthesis - breast imaging is crucial in cancer screening and diagnosis. Keep up-to-date with research news, medical applications, and background information on breast imaging.