How relevant is breast cancer screening in the Asia/Pacific region?

Nationwide breast cancer screening with mammography is well-established in many western countries. Many studies have shown its benefit in mortality reduction. However, breast cancer screening in Asia has been slow to implement, as it was perceived that the breast cancer incidence was low and the parenchyma of Asian women was difficult to assess mammographically. With changing disease patterns, breast cancer is now one of the most common cancers amongst women in Asia. Breast cancer screening has become an important and relevant health problem. However, apart from biological differences between western and Asian women, cultural and economic considerations need to be addressed. This paper looks at the various issues pertaining to the feasibility and relevance of population-based screening in the Asia/Pacific region.