Guidelines offer basis for timely mortality reduction of breast cancer

(November 17, 2003 - Breast Cancer)

According to recent research from Germany, "The aim of this level 3 good clinical practice guideline is to help physicians, women, and patients in decision making about the appropriate health care for early detection of breast cancer.

"The principle of early detection of breast cancer comprise the detection and of premalignant breast tumors (stage 0, carcinoma in situ), risk reduction of cancer development as well as the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer at an early stage (stage 1), with a 90% chance of cure as shown by a large number of clinical trials," wrote K.D. Schulz and colleagues, University of Marburg.

"To establish a nationwide, comprehensive quality assuring program for the early detection of breast cancer, the guideline summarized in the following paper offers the basis for a timely mortality reduction of breast cancer," the researchers wrote.

"The cure of early stage disease will be additionally possible by less invasive treatment allowing patients to maintain quality of life. The guideline leads to a major improvement of women's health care," the researchers concluded.

Schulz and colleagues published their study in Radiologe (Stage 3 recommendations - the early recognition of breast cancer in Germany. Abridged version for medical practitioners. Radiologe, 2003;43(6):495-502).

For additional information, contact U.S. Albert, University of Marburg, Klin Gynakol Gynakol Endokrinol & Onkol, Deutsch Gesell Senol, Pilgrimstein 3, D-35037 Marburg, Germany.

The information in this article comes under the major subject area of Oncology. This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports.

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