ABSTRACT
The incidence of breast cancer continues to increase worldwide and it is the most common cancer in women in the UK. The rise in the number of breast cancer patients has increased breast awareness, and the heightened awareness has resulted in an increasing demand for both diagnostic and interventional breast ultrasound procedures. Traditionally ultrasound was performed only by radiologists but there has been a shortage of radiologists, and inability to cope with the demand to reduce waiting times and provide a more efficient service for all patients. Central to this demand is the need to have the highest quality imaging of the breast. With the multidisciplinary approach adopted in most breast units the training in breast ultrasound can be aimed at breast surgeons, clinicians, oncologists, nurse practitioners and health professionals, and tailored to their individual needs.
