Ultrasound as the Primary Screening Test for Breast Cancer
The number of breast cancer cases is increasing globally, from 1.4 million new cases in 2008 to an expected 2.1 million by 2030. The reduced mammography benefit in contrast to ultrasound (US) is availability of this method and decreased screening potential in younger women because of the masking effects of dense parenchyma common in younger female. Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a research by a group of USA authors that studied the use of US instead of mammography to screen for breast cancer. The study included 2662 patients who completed 3 annual screens. Across 7473 screens within study years, 110 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Authors suggest that screening US could be a viable alternative to mammography in countries lacking organized screening based on study results. More by the link.