BREAST-CANCER - CURRENT ISSUES IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Australia has changed in response to new technologies and cultural influences which have emp hasized the importance of psychological and social aspects of breast c ancer. In this review article, recent developments are examined in rel ation to current surgical practice. Changes in the incidence of breast cancer, the effect of mammographic screening on the outcome of treatm ent, the increasing use of breast-conserving surgery, the timing of su rgery in relation to the menstrual cycle and the importance of risk fa ctors for breast cancer are all considered. Breast cancer is a potenti ally curable disease. Early detection and conservative surgery provide a framework for disease control.