BREAST RADIOLOGICAL TREATMENT IN THE SCREENING PROGRAM

Abstract

Introduction: The breast is a symmetrical, paired organ located in the chest. Complete development of the breast occurs during pregnancy. There are many different pathological processes that occur in the breast including malignancy. The Cantonal Breast Cancer Early Detection Program is the first such program implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Objective: The main objective of this paper is to define and explain radiological diagnostic procedures used in the detection of various diseases and changes in the breast. To prove that mammography remains the gold standard in the early detection of breast cancer, despite newer methods and imaging techniques. The paper will also present the results and advantages of the "Breast Cancer Early Detection Program".
Materials and methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study. Data were collected retrospectively from official data sources provided by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Welfare through the Radiological Information System for the University Clinical Hospital in Mostar for our county.
Results: In the first and second phases from 2019 to 2022, mammography was performed on 933 patients at the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, of whom 9 had a positive result. In the third phase of the program (2022-2024), mammography was performed on 2,499 patients. Of these, 18 had positive results.
Conclusions: Despite technological advances, mammography remains the gold standard in early detection of breast cancer. Similar breast cancer screening programs are being implemented in a few countries, including Turkey, Morocco, India, and Saudi Arabia. The results of these programs, as well as the challenges they face, further emphasize the importance and relevance of our county-level program implemented in HNZ/K County.