Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality. According to the WHO projections, a considerable increase in cancer incidence and mortality is anticipated for the next two decades. During the past years we have come a long way in our understanding of the critical role that screening and prompt cancer detection have in the improvement of treatment and subsequent survival rates. In particular, we have witnessed significant scientific advances in the screening, early detection, management, and prognosis of breast cancer. While much has been already accomplished, further research is required to lessen cancer burden on patients.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second main cause of cancer death after lung cancer. It is one of the few cancers where large-scale secondary prevention (screening) programs are of proven value. The advent of new technologies and biomarkers is currently enriching our portfolio for the prompt diagnosis of breast cancer, taking steps beyond the traditional diagnostic approaches, which have been shown to be cost-effective and are credited for the decline in breast cancer-related deaths. Groups at high risk for breast cancer, especially carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, require stringent and clear screening guidelines. Finally, the advent of new therapeutic modalities has revolutionized the management and prognosis of breast cancer.

In this special issue we encourage the submission of original research and review articles highlighting recent advances in screening strategies, prompt diagnostic modalities and particularities, current treatment options, and various emerging novel therapies for the major molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Screening strategies for breast cancer
• Prompt diagnostic modalities for breast cancer
• New technologies and biomarkers for screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer
• Screening and diagnostic particularities in women at high risk of breast cancer
• Advances in management and prognosis of breast cancer