Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Mammography has never been one of the more popular disciplines among radiology residents. A recent survey found that this attitude hasn't changed much, despite the fact that residents are spending more time in dedicated breast imaging rotations.
That's according to a story we're featuring this week in our Women's Imaging Digital Community. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles performed a study of radiology residents in 2008 regarding their opinions of mammography, and compared the responses to a similar survey conducted in 2000.
Interestingly, the number of residents concerned about mammography-related malpractice declined substantially over the survey period. But that wasn't enough to make more residents interested in pursuing breast imaging fellowships. Learn more about the survey -- and what the authors think should be done to make mammography more attractive -- by clicking here.
FDA says breast implants need follow-up
In other news, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued a new guidance to women and healthcare professionals regarding breast implants filled with silicone gel.
The FDA affirmed that such implants are generally safe when used as labeled, but it cautioned that implants shouldn't be considered devices implanted for the lifetime of a patient. Instead, they should be followed up routinely to monitor for complications such as rupture, and routine checkups with technologies such as breast MRI should be performed. Read more by clicking here.
Finally, learn about the latest news in the ongoing campaign by patient advocates to pass legislation requiring healthcare providers to notify women of their breast density status. Find out which state became the second one in the U.S. to pass breast density legislation by clicking here.
Visit our Women's Imaging Digital Community at women.auntminnie.com for these stories and more from the world of women's health.
