Huge study finds tomosynthesis better at breast cancer detection (3-D scans 18% better w/fewer false positives)

Medical Xpress / Radiological Society of North America / Radiology ^ | March 14, 2023 | Nila Alsheik et al

[ConservativeMind]

In a study of over a million women, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) showed improved breast cancer screening outcomes over screening with standard digital mammography alone.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States.

Regular screening is the most reliable method for the early detection of breast cancer.

Screening with two-dimensional (2-D) digital mammography alone is still the standard of care at many sites, but it has its limitations due to its inability to detect some cancers. There is a growing amount of evidence that DBT, a more advanced technology, has a higher breast cancer detection rate due to its ability to capture multiple X-ray images of the breast from different angles rather than the typical single image obtained with a standard 2-D mammogram. DBT is especially beneficial for women with denser breast tissue.

For this retrospective cohort study, Dr. Conant and colleagues compiled data from five large health care systems across the United States. The study group consisted of over 1 million women aged 40 to 79 who were screened with either DBT or 2-D digital mammography alone between January 2014 and December 2020.

Compared to 2-D digital mammography alone, DBT was associated with important improvements in screening outcomes. The cancer detection rate for patients screened with DBT was higher at 5.3 per 1,000 screened, compared to 4.5 per 1,000 screened with 2-D digital mammography only. DBT also had a lower rate of false positives and recalls from screening.

"We showed that the most important mammographic screening outcomes, increased cancer detection combined with fewer false positives, were significantly improved when women were screened with digital breast tomosynthesis compared to 2-D digital mammography alone," Dr. Conant said. "Therefore, women should seek out sites that routinely offer breast cancer screening with DBT."

[ConservativeMind]

My wife has gotten only 3-D scans over the past 7 years. You can find them if you just look a little. They shouldn’t cost more than the old 2-D scans.

Also, although the 3-D scans help with breast density problems, do note iodine can help reduce breast density and there are studies on this effect, using molecular iodine or a supplement called “Violet.”

[ConservativeMind]

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[Georgia Girl 2]

My insurance won’t cover the 3D.

[ConservativeMind]

Interesting. Five different carriers of health insurance have all covered it for my wife—all within seven years.

BCBS, Cigna, Atena, and others. What insurance company do you have?

[ConservativeMind]

Using MDSave.com for Atlanta, GA:

- $311 for a 3-D mammogram
- $227 for a 2-D mammogram.

https://www.mdsave.com/

You may be able to pay the difference, if you are concerned about breast cancer.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Good to know. Ill check it out.