Which type of cancer is detected in breast screening programs? Review of the literature with focus on the most frequent histological features

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer affecting female patients. The introduction of breast cancer screening programs led to a substantial reduction of mortality from breast cancer. Nevertheless, doubts are being raised on the real efficacy of breast screening programs. The aim of the present paper is to review the main pathological type of cancers detected in breast cancer screening programs. Specifically, attention will be given to: in situ carcinoma, invasive carcinoma histotypes and interval cancer.

Keywords: breast cancer; in situ carcinoma; interval cancer; invasive carcinoma; screening program.