European Guidelines For Quality Assurance In Radiotherapy

"The fourth edition of the European guidelines for quality assurance in breast cancer screening and diagnosis was published by the European Commission in 2006. The present supplements to the fourth edition have been produced by the same groups of experts originally established under the Europe Against Cancer programme that have developed and updated the guidelines since the early 1990s. Over the years, the scope and the depth of the multidisciplinary guidelines have expanded, and recommendations and protocols have been updated to keep pace with developments in the field. The present supplements lay a cornerstone for a new, completely revised fifth edition of the guidelines."--Editor.

The benefits of a screening programme for breast cancer are early detection and the subsequent reduction of mortality. The potential disadvantages are unnecessary anxiety, inappropriate economic cost and the use of ionising radiation. To ensure that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages the whole screening system needs to be completely quality assured. These European guidelines are based on the experience gained through national screening programmes. It contains information that can be applied at all levels and improvements can be achieved by following the technical advice. This third edition has been revised in the light of further experience over the past four years.

Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in women in Europe, and demographic trends indicate a continuing increase in this substantial public health problem. Systematic early detection through screening, effective diagnostic pathways and optimal treatment have the ability to substantially lower current breast cancer mortality rates and reduce the burden of this disease in the population. This is the fourth edition of these guidelines which contains information on recommended standards and procedures for breast cancer screening and diagnostic services, including chapters on multi-disciplinary aspects of quality assurance, data collection and monitoring, effective communication of information, requirements of a specialist unit, and a certification protocol.

Perfect for radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and residents in both fields, Practical Radiation Oncology Physics provides a concise and practical summary of the current practice standards in therapeutic medical physics. A companion to the fourth edition of Clinical Radiation Oncology, by Drs. Leonard Gunderson and Joel Tepper, this indispensable guide helps you ensure a current, state-of-the art clinical practice. Covers key topics such as relative and in-vivo dosimetry, imaging and clinical imaging, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and brachytherapy. Describes technical aspects and patient-related aspects of current clinical practice. Offers key practice guideline recommendations from professional societies throughout — including AAPM, ASTRO, ABS, ACR, IAEA, and others. Includes therapeutic applications of x-rays, gamma rays, electron and charged particle beams, neutrons, and radiation from sealed radionuclide sources, plus the equipment associated with their production, use, measurement, and evaluation. Features a "For the Physician" box in each chapter, which summarizes the key points with the most impact on the quality and safety of patient care. Provides a user-friendly appendix with annotated compilations of all relevant recommendation documents. Medicine eBook is accessible on a variety of devices.