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.
Researchers have developed a new contrast agent that selectively targets and highlights malignant micro-calcifications in the breast, while ignoring similar calcifications found in benign breast conditions. This technique has the potential to improve breast cancer diagnosis by reducing false positives and increasing detection rates.
A Yale University study found that black women are more likely to experience inadequate communication of mammogram results, leading to reduced benefits. The researchers noted that cultural and social dynamics may contribute to these disparities.
A study found that viewing prior mammograms alongside current mammograms significantly improves radiologist performance and reduces unnecessary recalls. The use of prior mammograms recorded on film in comparison with digital mammograms poses a challenge, but limiting their availability may balance medical benefits with effort.
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.
Researchers found that breast cancer in men is rare and can often be detected on physical examination. In most cases, a mammogram is not necessary for confirming gynecomastia diagnosis.
A study of 160,000 women screened in their 40s compared to those in their 50s found little change in estimated overall survival. The authors conclude that the benefits of early detection may outweigh the risks of radiation-induced breast cancer, but the uncertainty remains too great to make a definitive recommendation.
A recent study found that annual breast screening for women aged 40-49 years may not have a significant net benefit, with only a 17% decrease in breast cancer mortality. Additionally, the trial discovered a higher rate of false positive results among younger screened women compared to those over 50.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute shows that computer-assisted detection (CAD) technology improves mammographic specificity by 3%, allowing 30 women to avoid further evaluation. However, CAD does not affect overall sensitivity and may lead to deferral of radiologists' own judgment.
U-M researchers found that digital mammograms transmitted via satellite to radiologists in Ann Arbor, Mich., resulted in improved delivery of traditional mobile mammography services. The service allowed Native American women to receive timely follow-up care, with 72% of those needing additional images getting tested within three days.
A new project delivers mobile digital mammography services to remote reservations, transmitting images via satellite for real-time interpretation. The initiative aims to improve breast cancer screening and care for rural American Indian women, who face high mortality rates.
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.
The Cone Beam Breast Computed Tomography (CBBCT) scanner produces three-dimensional pictures of breast anatomy to distinguish benign lesions from tiny cancers. The pilot study showed promising results, with one case demonstrating a cancer that was hard to detect on a mammogram.
A large study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that women with mental disorders are less likely to receive mammograms, especially those with psychotic disorders. However, the severity of depression and anxiety also plays a role in lower mammography rates.
A University of Rochester study found that African Americans and Latinos are more likely to over-report their last preventive screening test, potentially harming their health. The research highlights the need for accurate tracking of ethnic disparities in healthcare.
A recent study of medical audit data found that community mammography screening results surpassed performance recommendations nationwide. The study, which analyzed over 1.1 million women's screening exams, revealed a cancer detection rate of 4.8 per 1,000 women.
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.
A new study shows that trained lay health advisers in rural communities can increase mammography screening rates among low-income and minority women. The intervention improved knowledge and beliefs about mammography screening, empowering women to schedule their own appointments.
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...
Researchers have developed a Google-like system to analyze mammogram images, using principles of information theory and entropy-based indexing. The system reduces processing time for computer-assisted detection systems by one-fourth, allowing for more efficient diagnosis.
A new study by Northwestern Memorial Hospital reveals digital mammography reduces technologists' acquisition time by 35% and increases physician interpretation time by 57%, sparking discussions on balancing financial goals with patient care.
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 ...
A study found that near 100 percent mammography recall compliance can be achieved with minimal additional cost, saving healthcare dollars. The program involved tracking down noncompliant patients and resulted in one early curable breast cancer diagnosis, justifying the low cost of 16 cents per screening patient.
A U-M study found that non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can be effectively treated with lumpectomy and radiation, with only 8% of women experiencing recurrence. Regular follow-up mammograms are a reliable way to detect any return of cancer.
A survey of 397 women found that 16% believed their risk of breast cancer was 50% or higher, and most thought mammograms could detect all cancers. The study identified pain experience, emotional distress, anxiety, and satisfaction with healthcare as significant predictors of repeat mammography behavior.
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.
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.
Researchers found no association between mammography and increased risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA mutations. The study suggests that screening may be safe for this high-risk group, but prospective studies are needed to confirm the results.
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.
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.
Researchers at UC Davis found breast CT images to be equivalent and potentially better than standard mammography for detecting breast cancer. The technology requires no breast compression and uses similar radiation doses as mammography.
A new study has shown that transmitting full-field digital mammography images over the internet can be done without compromising accuracy or security. The study, which included 1,314 diagnostic screening mammograms, demonstrated the feasibility of regional interpretation centers to improve breast cancer screening access and accuracy.
A new technology called tomosynthesis has been shown to decrease false-positive screening mammography findings by half, allowing for more accurate detection of early breast cancers. In a study of 98 women, tomosynthesis was found to be as good as or better than diagnostic mammography in 88% of cases.
A new study found that a computer-aided mammography detection system increased the detection rate of small invasive cancers by 164% in younger women. The CAD system helped detect these cancers more than five years earlier than without it.
A landmark breast cancer screening trial conducted by UVa Health System found no significant difference between digital and standard x-ray mammography in detecting breast cancer. The trial, DMIST, enrolled nearly 50,000 women and used both digital and film mammograms.
The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial found that digital mammography is as good as film mammography in detecting breast cancer, but may be better for younger women. The study analyzed data from 49,528 women and provides some of the best data gathered on mammogram diagnostic accuracy.
The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial found that digital mammography improves breast cancer detection in high-risk populations. The study's results corroborate NCI's commitment to exploring advanced technologies to detect cancer earlier and improve outcomes.
A study in New Hampshire found that many women, especially older ones, are not getting regular mammograms. The researchers used registry data to track actual use, finding 36% of women over 40 had never had a mammogram or hadn't had one in 27 months.
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.
Researchers found that breast cancer detected by mammography has a substantially better survival prognosis, even after adjusting for stage of disease and tumor characteristics. The study suggests that this is due to the detection of slower-growing tumors, which are more likely to be node-negative.
A Duke University study found that obesity is associated with lower rates of mammograms, Pap smears, and flu shots among middle-aged women and the elderly. Despite knowing the risks, obese individuals are less likely to receive preventive services due to social stigma, avoidance of healthcare, and bias from providers.
A Mayo Clinic study found that breast biopsy utilization rates remained stable over a 12-year period despite the introduction of new technologies. The study also showed that the ratio between malignant and benign results remained stable at one malignancy for every 2.2 benign results.
A study of 124 radiologists found that concerns about medical malpractice led to a significant increase in recommendations for breast biopsies and diagnostic testing. The majority of women who undergo additional testing after a screening mammogram do not have cancer, highlighting the need to balance detection rates with patient anxiety.
A survey of women aged 40-44 found they value logistical, harm, and benefit information before their first screening mammogram. Women prefer to participate in the decision-making process, with some preferring clinician input.
A recent study by ECRI found that digital mammography does not significantly improve breast cancer detection rates compared to traditional X-ray imaging. While the new technology may offer some incremental benefits, such as reduced radiation exposure, its cost-effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy need further evaluation.
A study by Dr. Sughra Raza found that digital mammography reduced call-back rates by 1.2% compared to conventional films, resulting in lower patient anxiety and associated costs. The switch from conventional to digital mammography also led to a decrease in patients needing additional imaging tests.
Research found that MRI was nearly twice as sensitive as X-ray mammography in detecting breast cancer in high-risk women. Combining both methods increased detection to 94%. Women with the BRCA1 gene mutation saw a significant boost in tumor detection, making MRI an effective screening tool.
A spinoff company has received a $2.5 million NIH grant to build a prototype scanner that can detect early-stage breast cancers with high accuracy, potentially changing medical practice in breast imaging. The scanner uses Cone Beam CT technology to eliminate structural overlap and capture clearer images of small tumors.
The breast CT scanner developed at UC Davis has reached clinical testing and shows promise in detecting breast tumors earlier than mammography. The technology requires no breast compression and takes images of virtual slices to provide a detailed view of breast tissues.
A study found that lack of accurate knowledge of insurance coverage, rather than actual costs, deters many women from getting screened. More than half of participants identified cost as a barrier to screening, with those who misunderstood their coverage being more likely to do so.
A new study found that nearly half of women perceived mammography screenings as unaffordable due to misperceptions about insurance coverage. The researchers suggest that private insurers can play a significant role in reducing these misconceptions by providing better educational efforts.
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.
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.
The PEM unit detects breast cancer by pinpointing tumors with increased glucose metabolism, outperforming mammography in dense breast tissue. The device uses fluorodeoxyglucose to identify cancerous lesions, with 18 of 20 detected abnormalities proven to be cancerous.
Physician experience and annual mammogram volume are associated with improved mammographic accuracy, according to a US study. Physicians who interpret 2,500-4,000 mammograms annually have lower false-positive rates and miss fewer cancers compared to those with less volume.
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.
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.
A study of 61,688 women found that adding clinical breast examination to mammography screening detected an additional 25 cancers, but also led to false positive reports and increased biopsies in women with dense breasts
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.
An observational study found no increased risk of late-stage breast cancer for women screened every 2 years, except for those in their 40s. Annual screening may also not benefit women with dense breasts.