title: The Israel Cancer Association's national program for the early detection of breast cancer.
abstract: Since 1970 the Israel Cancer Association has operated 13 regional clinics in hospitals and 55 voluntary clinics through the country. The original aim of the clinics was the screening of women greater than 35 yr, who were invited for check-up by mail based on the registration of local inhabitants. About 25% of the women invited appeared for screening. Over the years, the regional; clinics have become, in part, consulting clinics, since the physicians employed are senior surgeons. During the 10 years surveyed in this report, 108,143 women--30% of whom were less than 35 yr-- visited the clinics on their own initiative. Out of 260,484 examinations performed, 1,841 cases of breast cancer were detected. Th important functions of the clinics are: early detection, public and professional education to increase awareness of the subject, accurate and complete reporting of all biopsies performed, and linkage with the Israel Cancer Registry. Plans for the future include the continued operation of the clinics and a national project for training women in breast self-examination.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001940:Breast; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010173:Palpation; D013997:Time Factors; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies; D014838:Volunteers