Dense breasts have always created problems for mammography, but a new study published this week indicates that dense breast tissue may pose an even greater problem: higher risk of recurrence for women with cancer.
Canadian researchers found that breast cancer patients with dense breast tissue have a risk of recurrence that's four times higher than women with less-dense breasts, according to an article in our Women's Imaging Digital Community by contributing writer Alexandra Weber Morales.
The researchers suggest that women with higher tissue density be managed more aggressively, while breast cancer patients who don't have dense tissue may not need follow-up treatments like radiation therapy after surgery.
Get the details by clicking here, or visit the community at women.auntminnie.com.
Whole-breast radiation
Meanwhile, in our Radiation Oncology Digital Community, we're reporting on a study that offers new guidance on CT planning for women receiving whole-breast radiation therapy after breast conservation surgery.
Researchers from the University of Maryland in Baltimore found that performing a second CT simulation study can help direct radiation dose to the lumpectomy cavity after a surgical procedure. The second exam enables radiation oncologists to more closely tailor a small-field boost of radiation to the cavity volume, and avoid exposing healthy tissue.
Learn more by clicking here, or visit the community at radiation.auntminnie.com.
John Goble
Finally, as this edition of Letter from the Editor goes to press, we're saddened to learn of the tragic death this weekend of John Goble, Ph.D., president of the North American division of Swedish PACS and mammography firm Sectra. John was a visionary in the PACS industry, but he was also one of the most down-to-earth people you could meet. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and co-workers.
