This PDQ cancer information summary for health professionals provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information about breast cancer screening. This summary is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the PDQ Screening and Prevention Editorial Board.

Information about the following is included in this summary:

• Breast cancer incidence and mortality statistics and information about breast cancer risk factors.
• Breast cancer screening modalities.
• Benefits and harms of breast cancer screening.
• Breast cancer screening in special populations.

This summary is intended as a resource to inform clinicians and other health professionals about currently available breast cancer screening modalities. The PDQ Screening and Prevention Editorial Board uses a formal evidence ranking system in reporting the evidence of benefit and potential harms associated with each screening modality. It does not provide formal guidelines or recommendations for making health care decisions. Information in this summary should not be used as a basis for reimbursement determinations.

This summary is also available in a patient version, which is written in less technical language.