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Computerized reminders boost mammography screening rates

A Mayo Clinic study found that using computerized reminders can increase mammography screening rates, with 64.3% of women in the intervention group getting a yearly mammogram compared to 55.3% in the control group. The program has expanded beyond mammograms to include other preventive services.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 2007

Advances in breast imaging

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new gamma camera technique that can detect breast tumors as tiny as one-fifth of an inch in diameter with 88% accuracy. The device is sensitive enough to identify small cancers that were not found by mammography, and may be more comfortable for women due to less pressure needed during imaging.

Big bias in who gets screened for breast cancer

A study found that elderly women, those with public health insurance, and those who don't visit obstetricians regularly are less likely to receive clinical breast exams and mammogram recommendations. Regular clinical breast exams can detect breast cancer at an early stage, making them comparable to yearly mammograms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateNov 27, 2006

Other highlights in the September 6 JNCI

A 55-gene expression profile identifies children at high risk of progressive metastatic neuroblastoma. Lay health advisors improve mammography use among low-income women. Cyclin D1 inhibits STAT3, slowing breast cancer tumor growth. Researchers identify CD95/CD95L as a molecular system involved in radiation-induced pneumonitis.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 5, 2006

New model emphasizes breast density as a predictor of breast cancer risk, large study shows

A new model developed by scientists from Group Health and seven other health care organizations finds that breast density is a significant predictor of breast cancer risk, with women having highly dense breasts facing nearly four times the risk as those with fat-filled breasts. The study analyzed data from over 1 million women and iden...

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 5, 2006

Older women have far fewer mammograms than they report

A new study reveals that older American women, particularly those from minority groups, receive significantly lower rates of mammogram screening than previously reported based on self-reported data. The study analyzed national Medicare data and found that the rate of screening among non-white women is substantially lower than that for ...

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 20, 2006

Many breast cancer survivors not getting recommended mammograms

A study of 797 breast cancer survivors found that only 33% received a mammogram each year over the five years after treatment. Regular mammography for breast cancer survivors declines steadily within five years of treatment, highlighting the need to increase awareness among healthcare providers and patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 24, 2006

Mammography screenings for breast cancer show racial and ethnic disparities

A six-year study analyzing data from 1 million mammograms reveals racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer screenings. African-American women are more likely to have inadequate screening before diagnosis, whereas Asian and Native American women tend to underutilize mammography, leading to higher advanced-stage tumor rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 17, 2006

Older breast cancer survivors shared care study

A study of 3,828 older women diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer found that mammography rates were significantly higher among those receiving shared care, which included primary care physicians and specialists. The study suggests that this approach can lead to better quality care for breast cancer survivors.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateMar 16, 2006

File compression can expand mammography's power

Researchers have discovered that compressing digitized mammograms using file-compression techniques improves their interpretability by radiologists, allowing for remote screenings in underserved communities. The compression method retains essential features that are crucial for cancer diagnosis.

SourcePurdue University·JournalRadiology·DateDec 20, 2005

'Batch reading' mammograms lowers recall rates

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that batch reading mammograms results in lower recall rates and accurate cancer detection. The research analyzed 9,522 screening mammograms, with 1,538 interpreted by batch reading, showing a 20.1% to 16.2% decrease in recall rates.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 6, 2005

Study examines influence of celebrity endorsements of cancer screening

A telephone survey found that celebrity endorsements increased awareness and likelihood of certain cancer screenings, including mammography, PSA testing, and sigmoidoscopy. The study highlights the complex decision-making process around cancer screening, suggesting a need for celebrities to inform rather than persuade the public.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 3, 2005

Access to mammography may worsen

A 2001-2002 survey of 45 mammography facilities in three states found that 44% did not have enough radiologists on staff, and 46% reported difficulty maintaining qualified technologists. Scheduling delays for diagnostic and screening mammograms were common, with some facilities reporting waits of up to four weeks.

Fewer false alarms when mammographers have greater experience screening healthy breasts

A study of over 1.2 million mammograms found that experienced physicians detected cancer with higher accuracy and had lower rates of false positives. The research suggests that raising the minimum annual volume requirements for qualified mammographers could improve the overall quality of screening mammography in the US.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 1, 2005

How often should women get mammograms?

The mathematical model developed by Sandra Lee and Marvin Zelen provides quantitative predictions of the mortality benefits of different screening schedules. The study suggests that annual screenings from age 50 to 79 can reduce mortality by 37%, while starting mammograms at age 40 reduces overall risk of death by five percent.

Study reports women don't experience undue pain, anxiety during mammography screening

A study of 150 subjects found that listening to a relaxation tape prior to and during mammography did not decrease women's feelings of pain and anxiety. In fact, virtually none of the participants experienced pain or anxiety during the test, contradicting previous studies that attributed non-compliance to pain.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJan 27, 2005