Progress in early breast cancer detection

Evidence indicates progress in the early detection of breast cancer. After 1982 there was a reported increase in the incidence of breast cancer, presumably as a result of increased screening for the disease. The increase was especially noted in early stage breast cancer. The incidence of in situ cases also increased. Since 1973 the San Francisco‐Oakland Bay area has reported a statistically significant decrease in mortality for white women. The evidence supports continued efforts at early breast cancer detection.