Mammography screening and follow-up of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Imaging plays a key role in the early detection of breast cancer, and there is strong evidence that mammography screening has proven to be effective in reducing breast cancer mortality. Organized mammography screening programmes have been established around the globe, mostly in developed countries. Screening is important for an early diagnosis; however, the follow-up of patients with breast cancer is of importance, too. This review article is divided into two sections. The first section provides a general overview of mammography screening, including quality standards, controversial issues and aspects of high-risk screening. In the second section, we describe the potential uses of imaging modalities in the follow-up of breast cancer patients.