EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER: INNOVATIVE SCREENING METHODS

Abstract

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection is crucial for improving prognosis, reducing treatment costs, and enhancing survival rates. Traditional screening methods, such as mammography, have been widely used, but their limitations, including radiation exposure and false positives, highlight the need for innovative techniques. This article reviews current and emerging screening methods for early breast cancer detection, focusing on advances in imaging technologies, molecular diagnostics, and genetic screening. Innovations such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and liquid biopsy are examined for their potential to improve early detection rates and accuracy. The article also discusses the challenges, such as accessibility, cost, and patient acceptance, in implementing these innovative methods globally.