Articles tagged with Mammography
A recent study found that computer-aided detection (CAD) software can identify 71 percent of missed breast cancers on mammograms. CAD marked tumors as suspicious, leading to earlier detection and potentially better patient outcomes.
Four clinical trials are underway to determine the effectiveness of digital mammography, ultrasound, and MRI in detecting breast cancer and preventing deaths. These non-radiation based techniques could lead to a lower screening age and increased regular screenings for high-risk women.
A study found that only 6% of women received ten mammograms, and disparities in usage were seen among Hispanic, African-American, and Asian women as well as those from lower economic status. Regular mammograms significantly reduce breast cancer death risk, highlighting the need for improved screening adherence.
A recent study found that obese postmenopausal women are more likely to be recalled for additional tests after screening mammographies, with women in the obese category II and III groups being 31% more likely to be recalled. Obese women also experience a 20% increased risk of false-positive mammogram results compared to underweight and...
A recent study found that even health-conscious women are more likely to have had a mammogram or Pap smear than undergone a colonoscopy. Doctors suggest using breast cancer screening appointments as an opportunity to educate women about colorectal cancer risk and increase awareness.
A prospective study found that CAD significantly improves cancer detection rates, particularly for calcifications, while reducing recall rates slightly. The results indicate that CAD is an effective way to double-read mammograms without the need for a second radiologist.
Interpretation times for digital mammography (SFM) were significantly shorter than those for full-field digital mammography (FFDM), with a 59% difference. Technical problems also occurred more frequently in FFDM cases, impacting accuracy and efficiency.
A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that healthy older women are more likely to be screened for cancer, while those in poor health are less likely. The study analyzed data from over 4,700 women aged 70 and above, revealing a significant gap in screening rates among healthy versus unhealthy individuals.
A study found that immediate mammogram reading can decrease stress and anxiety in women, especially those receiving false-positive results. Women who received rapid evaluation of their mammograms reported less anxiety than those who had to wait several days for results.
The European Parliament and Commission are urging a unified EU approach to combat breast cancer, citing the potential for 90% of patients to be cured with early diagnosis. Breast cancer centers must meet specific requirements, including 150 operations per year and multidisciplinary case conferences.
A study found that a quarter of 50-69-year-old women had dense breast patterns more commonly associated with younger women. Breast cancer screening in postmenopausal women is effective, but cancers can still go undetected due to high mammographic density.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found significant disparities in mammography screening rates among racial and ethnic minorities. The study revealed that women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those without health insurance were less likely to receive screenings. Effective strategies include access-enhancing effort...
A study found that a computer-aided detection system did not change mammography recall rates or breast cancer detection rates, suggesting it may not be beneficial in academic practices. The results were similar even when focusing on the seven highest-volume radiologists at the center.
A recent study suggests that breast augmentation procedures can affect the sensitivity of mammography, with women with implants having lower detection rates. However, this does not necessarily translate to a higher risk of advanced disease at diagnosis. Women with breast implants should still follow recommended screening intervals.
The new device detects subtle changes in cells before tumor formation, enabling early detection and potentially improved treatment outcomes. It can image small breasts and axillary lymph nodes, and works without breast compression, making it more comfortable for patients.
Women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are more likely to have smaller tumors and earlier-stage cancer diagnosis due to regular mammography screening. The study found that HRT use is associated with improved breast cancer prognosis, particularly in women who receive estrogen-blocking drugs such as tamoxifen.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed computer-assisted breast imaging systems that improve the accuracy of interpretation of digital mammograms and breast ultrasound images. The systems were shown to improve the ability of highly experienced radiologists to detect cancerous tumors, potentially sparing women from unnecessary biops...
A study found that nearly 70% of women aged 50-64 and 40% of those 85-90 had received mammograms in the last two years, despite limited benefits. The research suggests that over-screening can be costly and wasteful, particularly for healthy individuals.
A study of 1,036 women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosed at age 40 or older found that those with high-nuclear-grade lesions had a higher risk of invasive cancer recurrence. Women treated by lumpectomy alone who experienced initial palpation-detected lesions also faced a greater risk of recurrence.
A study published in JAMA compared screening mammography performance in the US and UK among similar aged women, analyzing 5.5 million mammograms. Despite lower recall rates in the UK, both countries showed similar cancer detection rates, but US women experience more anxiety and false-positive scares.
Commentaries question the benefit of early breast cancer screening for women aged 40-49, citing higher mortality rates among screened women. Experts highlight possible biologic explanations and the importance of informed consent, while also warning of potential harms such as false positives and overtreatment.
A new dual-energy, contrast-enhanced digital subtraction mammography technique has shown promising results in revealing hard-to-detect breast cancers. The study found that the technique was able to identify cancerous tumors in 13 out of 26 patients, with accuracy rates similar to those achieved by breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A recent study found that North American mammographers are more likely to interpret mammograms as abnormal, leading to higher rates of false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures. The study analyzed data from 32 community-based screening programs in North America and compared outcomes with those in other countries.
Contrast digital mammography has been shown to accurately identify cancers in patients with suspicious abnormalities, reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies. The new technique uses intravenous iodine contrast to enhance blood vessels created by tumors, improving detection in dense breast tissue.
A recent study found that providing Medicare coverage to previously uninsured adults increases access to life-saving preventive tests like cancer and cholesterol screenings. The gap in testing rates narrows significantly after eligibility.
A survey of US radiology residents found that most were hesitant to pursue breast imaging training or interpret mammograms due to negative attitudes and perceived drawbacks. The shortage of qualified radiologists is expected to worsen as demand for screening mammography services increases with an aging population.
Researchers found that 3D mammography (TOMO) outperforms traditional mammography in detecting breast lesions, including masses and architectural distortions. The technique has the potential to reduce anxiety for patients by providing a more accurate diagnosis upfront.
A study found that using mammograms read by specialists reduces call back rates significantly, with an average rate of 8% in the second year compared to 11% in the first year. Specialists are defined as radiologists who have read 3,000 mammograms per year over the last two years.
A study reviewed the records of 367 high-risk women who underwent MR imaging screening and found that 59 required biopsies, with 17 cases revealing new cancers not detected on mammograms or physical exams. The majority of detected cancers were ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), an early stage of breast cancer.
Mammography screening has been shown to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in European countries. Studies found that women aged 40-69 years who received screening had a 44% reduced risk of dying from breast cancer, while those not screened had a 16% reduction.
A recent study found that most women (72%) experience some level of pain during mammography, but this does not deter them from returning for follow-up screening. The study also discovered a link between the timing of mammograms and pain levels in premenopausal women.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found sonography to be more accurate than mammography in detecting breast cancer in women under 45. The test correctly identified 84.9% of breast cancers in symptomatic women aged 25-44, while mammography had a lower accuracy rate of 71.7% in the same age group.
A new study examines the incidence of breast cancer among postmenopausal women with 'probably benign' mammographic findings. The research suggests that short-interval follow-up may not be necessary, and a 1-year follow-up may be as effective as a 6-month follow-up in identifying early-stage breast cancers.
A study found that personalized mailings can significantly increase mammogram use among older women with Medicare, who may need an extra push to get screened due to age-related risk factors. The intervention targeted women over 70 years old without recent mammograms and those with medical conditions preventing screening.
A study found that recent radiologists interpreted screening mammograms more accurately than those with less training, while facilities with higher diagnostic volume showed improved accuracy. The researchers suggest additional studies to clarify the complex relationship between radiologist experience and mammogram interpretation.
The report finds that the US is failing to meet six of ten health goals set for older Americans, including physical activity, nutrition, and mental healthcare. The report calls for increased education and training in geriatrics and improved diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions among the elderly.
The new digital tomosynthesis system provides high-resolution cross-section images with reduced structure overlap, making lesions easier to detect. This technology has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer detection and diagnosis, allowing for earlier interventions.
A new study supports routine mammography screening for women over 75, while a separate study finds that postmenopausal hormone use and heavy drinking increase breast cancer risk. The guidelines also recommend against combined estrogen and progestin therapy for preventing cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.
Research found that approximately 20% of the breast cancers detected by screening mammography were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and the rate of DCIS diagnoses per 1000 mammograms increased with age. Mammograms were also more sensitive at detecting DCIS than invasive breast cancer.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that 20% of mammogram-detected breast cancers are in situ lesions with unknown aggressiveness. The research highlights the need for further understanding of DCIS to identify which cases may progress to invasive cancer.
A study of community radiologists' mammogram interpretations found wide variation in how often masses, calcifications, and suspicious lesions are detected. False-positive readings increased with patient demographics, training level, and time since graduating from medical school.
A recent study by OHSU suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to improved breast cancer detection and survival rates. The research found that HRT users had a 100% survival rate after six years, compared to an 87% survival rate for non-users.
A large-scale study involving 50,000 Canadian women in their 40s found that annual mammography screenings did not reduce breast cancer deaths, but increased cancer detection rates. The study's results, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, challenge the long-held assumption that mammography screening saves lives.
A Canadian National Breast Cancer Screening Study found that annual mammography for five years had no impact on breast cancer deaths in women aged 40-49. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends starting mammography at age 40, but evidence is considered 'fair' due to conflicting results.
A study found that tailored telephone and mail reminders increased mammography screenings in women over 51. The combination of both methods led to more than twice as many follow-up screenings compared to usual care.
Researchers found that MMP-9 expression contributes to angiogenesis in human ovarian tumors, while dense breasts compromise diagnostic mammography sensitivity. Aspirin users have a lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer, according to the study.
A study by Dartmouth/VA researchers found that major US news media favored routine use of screening mammography and urged caution about tamoxifen, with greater emphasis on the negative aspects of the latter. The coverage of these issues highlights the need for balanced media reporting to focus on science rather than emotions or politics.
Researchers discovered that calcification of breast blood vessels is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Women with diabetes, older age, and low educational background are at higher risk. Mammograms might one day be used to better determine a woman's cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that a network of lay health advisers increased mammography use among rural black women over age 50 by 6 and 11 percent, respectively. The program's effectiveness in boosting breast cancer screening rates was demonstrated through data from the North Carolina Breast Cancer Screening Program.
The Swedish trials indicate a significant reduction in breast cancer mortality among women given mammography screening, with the greatest benefit seen in age groups 60-69 years. The trials found no significant difference in death from all causes between screening and control groups.
A UCSF study found that radiologists who interpreted a high volume of mammograms were more accurate in detecting cancer. High volume readers had higher sensitivity and accuracy rates compared to low volume readers, suggesting that fewer biopsies are needed to find cancers.
A study found that high-volume mammography readers in the US detected fewer cancers than their British counterparts, despite meeting lower annual standards. The research suggests re-engineering US screening programs to improve efficiency and quality without increasing interventions.
A recent meta-analysis and follow-up study found no immediate life-saving effect of mammography screening, but suggested that it may reduce breast cancer mortality after several years. Researchers argue that the analysis must focus on case-fatality rates rather than overall mortality rates to accurately evaluate the benefits.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetic women aged 50-75 years had lower rates of mammograms compared to control subjects, with 78.1% vs. 84.9% participation rates. The researchers suggest that the added burdens of caring for patients with diabetes may be a contributing factor.
The article highlights three articles addressing hypertension control: managing diabetes, blood pressure-lowering drugs, and the DASH diet. Additionally, a study reveals gaps in newspaper articles on mammography, which often oversimplify or misrepresent scientific evidence.
Researchers found that introducing charges for breast-cancer screening reduced attendance rates, particularly among younger women. In Turku, Finland, the introduction of a fee sent a message to the female population questioning regular mammography screening.
A recent analysis published in The Lancet suggests that routine breast cancer screening through mammography may not be effective in reducing deaths. The study found that the two best trials failed to show an effect of screening on deaths ascribed to breast cancer after 13 years, and that screening leads to more aggressive treatment.
A $26.5 million grant has funded a massive study comparing digital and film mammography to determine its effectiveness in breast cancer diagnosis. The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial will involve almost 50,000 women and provide valuable insights into the technology's ability to detect early breast cancers.
A study suggests that emphasizing the risks of avoiding breast cancer screening is effective in motivating women to get screened, particularly for white and Hispanic participants. However, black participants showed no significant change in mammography rates during the study period.
Despite low use rates among Canadian women aged 50-69, mammography screening remains incomplete, particularly in underserved communities. Organized programs and targeted education strategies can help address these gaps.