Review
Oncology
Shuangqin Huang, Nehmat Houssami, Meagan Brennan, Brooke Nickel
Summary: Evidence suggests that BDN legislation increases the overall utilization of supplemental screening by 0.5-143%. This effect is amplified if the notification includes a follow-up telephone call informing women about additional screening benefits, and if the state's law mandates insurance cover for supplemental screening. Likelihood of supplemental screening is also influenced by factors such as history of breast biopsy and family history of breast cancer, race, age, socioeconomic status, density category, and physician's specialty and region. Some studies reported increases in biopsy rate (up to 4%) and cancer detection rate (up to 11%) after implementation of BDN legislation.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2021)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brooke Nickel, Hankiz Dolan, Nehmat Houssami, Erin Cvejic, Meagan Brennan, Jolyn Hersch, Melanie Dorrington, Angela Verde, Lisa Vaccaro, Kirsten McCaffery
Summary: This study examined factors associated with women's intentions for supplemental screening after receiving notification of dense breasts. The results showed that women with higher levels of breast cancer worry, private health insurance, a family history of breast cancer, and previous mammography screenings were more likely to have intentions for supplemental screening. Understanding these factors is important for health systems considering widespread notification of dense breasts and discussing the benefits and harms of supplemental screening.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCREENING
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Stefanie G. A. Veenhuizen, Stephanie de Lange, Marije F. Bakker, Ruud M. Pijnappel, Ritse M. Mann, Evelyn M. Monninkhof, Marleen J. Emaus, Petra K. De Koekkoek-Doll, Robertus H. C. Bisschops, Marc B. Lobbes, Mathijn D. F. de Jong, Katya M. Duvivier, Jeroen Veltman, Nico Karssemeijer, Harry J. de Koning, Paul J. van Diest, Willem P. T. M. Mali, Maurice A. A. J. van den Bosch, Carla H. van Gils, Wouter B. Veldhuis
Summary: In the second round of the DENSE trial, there was a lower cancer detection rate but a reduced false-positive rate compared to the first round.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Mi-ri Kwon, Ji Soo Choi, Mi Yeon Lee, Sinae Kim, Eun Sook Ko, Eun Young Ko, Boo Kyung Han
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of supplemental automated breast ultrasound (AB US) in mammography-based breast cancer screening for Asian women. The results showed that AB US plus digital mammography increased the cancer detection rate, but had lower specificity for women with dense and nondense breasts.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mary W. Marsh, Thad S. Benefield, Sheila Lee, Michael Pritchard, Katie Earnhardt, Robert Agans, Louise M. Henderson
Summary: The study compared the availability and use of supplemental breast cancer screening modalities in rural versus urban settings, with digital breast tomosynthesis being the most commonly utilized modality. Facilities were more likely to use supplemental screening based on factors like breast cancer risk, referring physician recommendation, and reading radiologist recommendation in urban settings compared to rural settings.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Rebecca E. Smith, Brian Sprague, Louise M. Henderson, Karla Kerlikowske, Diana L. Miglioretti, Diana S. M. Buist, Karen J. Wernli, Tracy Onega, Karen Schifferdecker, Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti, Dianne Johnson, Jill Budesky, Anna N. A. Tosteson
Summary: The study compared self-reported breast density with clinically assessed density and evaluated women's knowledge of density implications and attitudes towards future screening. The findings revealed discrepancies between self-report and clinical density, with women who had dense breasts being more likely to desire supplemental screening. Furthermore, women in states reporting density to all had a higher likelihood of accurate knowledge compared to those in states reporting only to women with dense breasts. The study highlights the importance of standardized communication of breast density results to all women for informed screening decisions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Heba Hussein, Engy Abbas, Sareh Keshavarzi, Rouhi Fazelzad, Karina Bukhanov, Supriya Kulkarni, Frederick Au, Sandeep Ghai, Abdullah Alabousi, Vivianne Freitas
Summary: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, MRI was found to be the best supplemental breast cancer screening modality for women at average risk or intermediate risk with dense breasts and negative mammogram, leading to an increased cancer detection rate.
Article
Oncology
Erica Lee J. Argov, Carmen B. Rodriguez, Mariangela Agovino, Ying Wei, Rachel C. Shelton, Rita Kukafka, Karen M. Schmitt, Elise Desperito, Mary Beth Terry, Parisa Tehranifar
Summary: This study examines the psychological responses to dense breast notification (DBN) and awareness of breast density (BD) in a predominantly Hispanic population. The results suggest that DBN and BD awareness have short-term psychological effects, including increased perceived risk and uncertainty, particularly among Spanish-speaking women. However, there were no significant associations with long-term psychological outcomes such as breast cancer worry.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Laura B. Beidler, Nancy R. Kressin, Jolie B. Wormwood, Tracy A. Battaglia, Priscilla J. Slanetz, Christine M. Gunn
Summary: Breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer, but there is little understanding of how women perceive the relative breast cancer risk associated with it. This study investigated women's perception of breast density compared to other breast cancer risks and explored their understanding of risk reduction through telephone surveys and interviews.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Ann L. Brown, Charmi Vijapura, Mitva Patel, Alexis De La Cruz, Rifat Wahab
Summary: Dense breast tissue is a strong independent risk factor for breast cancer, with a higher risk compared to fatty breasts. ABUS and MRI are effective in detecting breast cancer, and MRI is especially good at detecting DCIS. Awareness of breast density varies among different ethnic groups, with lower awareness among Asian, Hispanic, Black, and Jewish women compared to White women. Black and Hispanic women are less likely to receive supplemental screening.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Georgia Giakoumis Spear, Ellen B. Mendelson
Summary: This review examines ultrasound options for supplemental breast cancer screening in average risk women with dense breasts, including physician-performed handheld ultrasound (HHUS), technologist-performed HHUS, and automated breast ultrasound (AUS). Performance data suggests all options are appropriate for adjunctive screening, with AUS possibly being favored due to certain advantages. Workflow adjustments for physicians and staff are important considerations in selecting the most suitable screening method.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Ritse M. Mann, Alexandra Athanasiou, Pascal A. T. Baltzer, Julia Camps-Herrero, Paola Clauser, Eva M. Fallenberg, Gabor Forrai, Michael H. Fuchsjaeger, Thomas H. Helbich, Fleur Killburn-Toppin, Mihai Lesaru, Pietro Panizza, Federica Pediconi, Ruud M. Pijnappel, Katja Pinker, Francesco Sardanelli, Tamar Sella, Isabelle Thomassin-Naggara, Sophia Zackrisson, Fiona J. Gilbert, Christiane K. Kuhl
Summary: Breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and reduces the effectiveness of mammography. Recent studies show that contrast-enhanced breast MRI can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality and is cost-effective for women with extremely dense breasts. Therefore, the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) recommends informing women about their breast density and offering screening breast MRI every 2 to 4 years for women aged 50 to 70 with extremely dense breasts.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Paula B. Gordon
Summary: The purpose of breast cancer screening is to detect cancer early and improve treatment outcomes. However, factors such as breast density, race/ethnicity, and hormone therapy can affect the effectiveness and risks of screening. Guidelines should be created to maximize mortality reduction and consider the specific conditions of women with dense breasts, such as shorter screening intervals and supplemental screening.
Article
Oncology
Sarah Pirikahu, Helen Lund, Gemma Cadby, Elizabeth Wylie, Jennifer Stone
Summary: Breast density notification does not deter women in the targeted age range from rescreening but could potentially deter younger women from rescreening. Therefore, breast density notification should include information regarding the importance of regular mammographic screening to manage breast cancer risk, particularly for younger women.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Suneela Vegunta, Juliana M. Kling, Bhavika K. Patel
Summary: Mammography is the standard for breast cancer screening, but sensitivity is reduced for women with dense breasts. Despite the availability of several supplemental screening tests, there are no established guidelines to direct healthcare professionals in recommending a preferred test. Tailored screening based on breast density and lifetime cancer risk can guide more comprehensive screening strategies.
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
(2021)