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Mammogram tool improves some breast cancer detection but also increases false alarms

A new study found that computer-assisted detection (CAD) in mammograms improves the detection of noninvasive and early-stage invasive breast cancer, but also makes more mistakes. CAD was associated with higher rates of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnoses and increased diagnostic testing among women without breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2013

Healthy doctors make healthy patients, study finds

Researchers at UBC and Israel discovered that compliant physicians lead to more patient adherence to screening and vaccination practices. The study found significant differences in patients of doctors who received flu shots and those who did not, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals' health habits on their patients.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2013

Mammogram every 2 years has same benefit as yearly mammogram for older women, UCSF study finds

A UCSF study of over 140,000 women aged 66-89 found that biennial screening led to fewer false positives and no increased risk of late-stage breast cancer. The study suggests life expectancy and co-existing illnesses should be considered when making cancer screening recommendations for older women.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 5, 2013

Enhancing breast cancer detection

Researchers have developed a new computer algorithm that analyzes thermal images of breasts to enhance breast cancer detection. The approach improved accuracy from 90% to 96% in tests on 28 patients, paving the way for future studies with larger patient groups.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovative Computing and Applications·DateNov 14, 2012

Breast cancer scans possible with a 25 times reduced radiation dose

Scientists have developed a method to produce 3D X-ray images of the breast with a radiation dose 25 times lower than current hospital scanners, enabling improved diagnosis and potentially reducing breast cancer mortality. The new technique combines high-energy X-rays, phase contrast imaging, and advanced mathematical algorithms.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Breakthrough technique images breast tumors in 3-D with great clarity, reduced radiation

Researchers developed a new technique using phase contrast tomography and EST algorithm to create high-quality 3D images of breast tissue, allowing for earlier and more accurate detection of breast tumors. The technique uses lower radiation doses than current CT scanners, enabling clearer images with sharper details.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Optical mammography sheds new light on breast cancer

A new optical imaging technology, developed at Tufts University School of Engineering, uses near infrared light to scan breast tissue and can identify water, fats, and oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor tissue. This non-invasive technique could complement standard mammography, particularly for women with dense breast tissue.

Disparity in breast cancer between black and white women can be eliminated by regular screening

A retrospective study found that regular mammography screening can help eliminate the disparity in breast cancer mortality between black and white women. Women screened regularly were more likely to have hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, suggesting early detection can blunt negative prognostic biological characteristics.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateSep 25, 2012

Depression and anxiety not linked to delayed resolution of abnormal mammograms, Pap tests

Research from Boston University School of Medicine found no association between depression and delayed diagnostic resolution after abnormal mammograms or Pap tests. Women with psychiatric disorders face disparities in cancer screening and outcomes, but this study suggests pre-existing depression is not a significant barrier to resolution.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 22, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers studied mammography registries to compare cumulative probability of false-positive results after 10 years of annual or biennial screening. Biennial screening reduced false-positive recalls by one-third, but associated with a small increase in late-stage cancer diagnosis. Digital mammography was found to be equally effective...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 17, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that massage therapy is more effective than usual medical interventions for improving pain and function in patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers also suggest that relaxation massage may have a slight advantage over structural massage due to its wider availability.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 4, 2011