title: Patient pathway for breast cancer: turning points and future aspirations.
abstract: Improved survival from breast cancer can be attributed to a number of advances in the patient pathway from screening to advanced disease. The benefit of population screening has been established with national programs implemented. There has been improvement in the methodology of diagnostic assessment, relating to imaging techniques, methods of obtaining histological evidence and evaluation of lymph node status. Sentinel node biopsy is now routine, as is oncoplastic surgery. New forms and improved adjuvant systemic therapies are being explored. The prognosis of breast cancer can be more reliably evaluated to provide individualized information and to personalize treatments. Developments have also been seen in other areas improving the treatment and care of patients with advanced disease.
authors: School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
authors: Ruth Mary
authors: RM
authors: Parks
authors: Kwok-Leung
authors: KL
authors: Cheung
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D019091:Critical Pathways; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D015996:Survival Rate
keywords: breast cancer; future directions; turning points