Advances in breast imaging over the last two decades have led to a dramatic improvement in the quality of care offered to patients with breast disease.

The decrease in the number of deaths in the UK due to breast cancer is because of several factors – the diagnosis of tumors at an early stage using screening mammography, earlier presentation following improved public awareness of the signs of breast disease, more accurate local staging using advanced imaging and image-guided biopsy techniques, and ever more sophisticated treatments involving increased use of systemic therapy. The improvements in diagnosis and treatment have been accompanied by a great deal of work to expand our understanding of the epidemiology, pathology, and natural history of breast disease – crucial to planning future service developments.

In this volume, experts who are actively involved in research into screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer discuss state-of-the-art knowledge and future priorities for work in their respective fields of expertise. It is hoped that this volume will be of interest to all members of the multidisciplinary team, as well as hospital managers and those who are in charge of commissioning breast services.