As a result of the use of screening mammography and the introduction of programs for early detection of breast cancers, many breast biopsies are now performed for small, non-palpable, mammographically detected abnormalities. In contrast to breast biopsies in the premammographic era, breast biopsies for mammographic abnormalities contain a greater number of minimal invasive breast cancers (T1a,b), non-invasive-in situ cancers (Tis), and histological types of breast cancers with excellent prognosis. The aim of this study was to estimate the basic histopathologic features of breast cancers in Split region, with emphasis on in situ and minimal invasive cancers. The results of this study are achieved by analysis of pathohistologic characteristics of 937 breast cancers surgically removed in Split Clinical Hospital in the five year period (1997-2001), detected in population without early breast cancer detection programs. The proportion of minimal invasive cancers (T1a,b) and in situ cancers (Tis) was 15.16% and 2.78%, respectively. Axillary nodal metastases (N1) occurred in 42.9% of patients of the whole group, and in the group of minimal invasive cancers nodal metastases occurred in 14.78% of cases. The small percentage of T1a,b and Tis cases of breast cancers in Split region suggests the necessity for introduction of breast cancer early detection programs, with the emphasis on screening mammography programs in a part of female population.