An approach to the detection and management of early breast cancer.

The mortality rate for breast cancer has not changed for 40 years. The ultimate results using the various surgical techniques differ very little. Local tumour excision produces survival rates comparable with those for more radical operations. Ideal treatment should give optimal quality and quantity of survival with minimal trauma. Survival is mainly determined by the ability to live in symbiosis with the disease and in most cases clinically obvious tumours are already incurable. Clinical examination alone will not detect disease at a stage early enough for more effective treatment. Mammography and thermography can detect occult breast cancer and, in particular, thermography can be used for serial examinations in high-risk patients because the procedure is simple and without hazard.