8th Baltic Congress of Radiology

Breast Radiology

oral abstract

In Lithuania, as in the rest of the world, breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women. According to the latest data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1769 cases of breast cancer were confirmed in Lithuania in 2020. The aim of this work was to reveal breast cancer screening methods which are currently used in Lithuania.

Methods used were systematization and generalization of literature.

The goal of primary prevention is to reduce morbidity rates by detecting breast cancer in it’s early stages. According to Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis guidelines (2020) screening programs should be regularly performed for women aged 45 to 75 years who are at average risk. At the moment, Lithuania is implementing a national screening program for the prevention of breast cancer in women aged 50–69, with a mammographic examination every 2 years. Screening mammography consists of two bilateral projections of the breasts: right/left craniocaudal and right/left mediolateral oblique. Mammograms must meet the general criteria for evaluating image quality: proper exposure, compression, lack of skin folds, artifacts, correct identification, symmetrical images. All screening mammograms are obtained by certified radiographers after which the images are routinely double-read by certified screening radiologists. Professionals participating in the breast cancer screening program must: have the appropriate professional qualifications, listen to special training, hold the necessary certificate of competency, participate in continuing medical training and development.

Screening for breast cancer is a tool that aims to reduce mortality rates from the disease without compromising the health status of the patients. This requires trained and experienced professionals using modern and specialized equipment. Congress attendees will renew or gain deeper knowledge of the importance of primary prevention of breast cancer, general mammogram positioning and quality control. Congress attendees can apply the knowledge which they will gain or deepen about mammography in their daily work.

In Lithuania, as in the rest of the world, breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women. At the moment, Lithuania is implementing a national screening program for the prevention of breast cancer in women aged 50–69, with a mammographic examination every 2 years. This requires trained and experienced professionals using modern and specialized equipment.

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