Guidelines for the early detection and screening of breast cancer: quick reference guide

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major killer of women both globally and regionally. Studies have shown that most patients with breast cancer in the Eastern Mediterranean Region present for the first time at stages two and three, indicating the need for increased community awareness and early detection of the disease. Well conceived and well managed national cancer control programmes are able to lower cancer incidence and improve the lives of people living with cancer. These evidence-base and guidelines have been designed to support Ministries of Health in their policy-setting for early detection and screening of breast cancer, as well as to assist health care providers and patients in decision-making in the most commonly encountered situations