Dear AuntMinnie Member,
The first day of October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, traditionally a time when women are urged to pay closer attention to breast health. But this month's observance is already off to a shaky start with the publication of a study that questions whether the recent spate of breast density awareness laws are worth the expense they're adding to mammography screening programs.
Researchers found that the number of follow-up breast ultrasound scans doubled in New Jersey after that state passed a breast density awareness law in 2014. And that increase came with a price, with the cost of follow-up ultrasound more than doubling during the study period -- an increase of at least several million dollars every three months.
The study authors believe their research can be a cautionary tale: While ultrasound may find more cancers in women with dense breast tissue, this benefit should be weighed against the risk of unnecessary studies, false positives, and increased healthcare costs. Read more by clicking here, or visit our Women's Imaging Community at women.auntminnie.com.
New breast MRI protocol
In other news, German researchers have developed a new breast MRI protocol that they believe can reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies after screening mammography. But the key to the new protocol is its speed -- at seven minutes per study, it can be performed far more quickly than a conventional 30-minute breast MRI exam. Learn more about it by clicking here.
Pediatric US consultations
Meanwhile, researchers from Stanford University have published findings that support those who believe radiologists should take a more active role in meeting with patients. They found that 90% of parents of children undergoing ultrasound exams wanted to meet directly with radiologists at every visit going forward. Read all about it by clicking here, or visit our Ultrasound Community at ultrasound.auntminnie.com.
