Breast cancer screening: current status

The currently available scientific evidence attests that mammographic screening and quality treatment have been able to reduce mortality attributable to breast cancer. Although screening is not without risks, population-based screening has clear advantages over opportunistic detection. Following the Council of the European Union's "Recommendations on cancer screening", all the regional Autonomous Communities in Spain have screening programs that, in general, follow the same guidelines. The "European guidelines for quality assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis" serve as a reference that provides an overview of all aspects of screening. To achieve the foreseen objectives for the reduction of the morbidity and mortality attributable to breast cancer, screening programs must fulfill the established quality criteria and guarantee that patients have access to the best treatment options. (C) 2012 SERAM. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.