Screening and Risk Reduction Strategies for Breast Cancer: Imaging Modality and Risk-Reduction Approaches

This text provides a unique angle on exploring the harms of screening for breast cancer with an international perspective that incorporates multimodalities.

It is widely known that screening for breast cancer is not without its risks, whether that be in anxiety related to false-positive recalls, ‘over-diagnosis’ of clinically inconsequential abnormalities or the financial implications associated with screening programmes. There is balanced discussion of the challenges related to dense breast tissue and how this can prove difficult both as a marker of increased risk and the reliance on mammography where lesions may be obscured. This is particularly relevant in Asia where the proportion of premenopausal cases is relatively higher with increased breast density, more so than in Western cultures.

The author outlines the multimodality approaches using a great number of high quality evidence-based studies including meta analyses, Cochrane reviews and randomised controlled trials.

While the book is aimed at highlighting the challenges of screening and associated harms within Asian countries, contributions from worldwide leading experts provides a comprehensive view of every-thing from risk assessment models, pathogenic germline variants to risk-reducing surgery and the cost effectiveness of genetic testing strategies. The book’s target audience is therefore very diverse and it would act as a great reference to anyone with an interest in the breast cancer field.

Radiology is covered, with debates on digital breast tomosynthesis, MRI, ultrasound and even advances in PET. Evidence is provided from historic and ongoing trials, which take into consideration the changes that have occurred within screening programmes. Referenced are the many UK trials including the much-anticipated multicentre study comparing four imaging approaches in dense breasts (BRAID trial).

What is made apparent by the author is the urgent public health requirement globally to develop imaging or molecular-based tests to determine the clinical impact of detection: “Early treatment intervention rather than early detection.”

To purchase this title at our discounted rate email: katherine@radmagazine.com.