Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Countries with Limited Resources

作者：Benjamin O. Anderson, Susan Braun, Susan M. L. Lim, Robert Allen Smith, Stephen H. Taplin, David B. Thomas · 发表于：The Breast Journal · 年份：2003 · DOI：10.1046/j.1524-4741.9.s2.4.x · 被引用次数：188 · 研究领域：Global Cancer Incidence and Screening、Cervical Cancer and HPV Research、Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection

Breast cancer is commonly diagnosed at late stages in countries with limited resources. Efforts aimed at early detection can reduce the stage at diagnosis, potentially improving the odds of survival and cure, and enabling simpler and more cost-effective treatment. Early detection of breast cancer entails both early diagnosis in symptomatic women and screening in asymptomatic women. Key prerequisites for early detection are ensuring that women are supported in seeking care and that they have access to appropriate, affordable diagnostic tests and treatment. We therefore propose the following sequential action plan: 1) promote the empowerment of women to obtain health care, 2) develop infrastructure for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, 3) begin early detection efforts through breast cancer education and awareness, and 4) when resources permit, expand early detection efforts to include mammographic screening. Public education and awareness can promote earlier diagnosis, and these goals can be achieved in simple and cost-effective ways, such as dissemination of messages through mass media. All women have the right to education about breast cancer, but it must be culturally appropriate and targeted and tailored to the specific population. When resources become available for screening, they should be invested in screening mammography, as it is the only modality that has thus far been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality. Clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast s...