Post-mammography–complementary methods in chest x-ray imaging

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Mammography screening is used for early detection of breast cancer through a mammogram. However, the reliability of the method is worse in women who have a large percentage of glandular and connective tissue in their breasts than in women who have a large percentage of adipose tissue. These women will benefit from additional imaging modalities such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main obstacle to using such approaches is the greatly increased cost per additional cancer detected.

For his thesis, he auditioned for a PhD student Roxana Helgren in Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics And the Chief Physician / Director of Operations at the Department of Mammography in Södersjukhuset and thus some alternative methods that may be less expensive. In her studies, she compared, among other things, the new ultrasound method (ABVS) with a traditional ultrasound scan and found that it had a similar ability to detect breast cancer. It also tested whether adding infrared imaging to mammography would lead to increased detection of breast cancer. In addition, she compared a 5-minute MRI scan instead of a 30-minute one and found that the shorter scan was sufficient to detect the same percentage of breast cancer cases.

What are the main findings of your thesis?

– We were able to provide increased knowledge about the diagnostic reliability of two different imaging modalities, which we hope will lead to further studies. We also showed the importance of good study design when evaluating new diagnostic methods.

Why did you choose to research this particular topic?

It is important to improve cancer care through early detection. This leads to less aggressive treatment and improved survival. Above all, it benefits the patient as well as society as a whole.

How do you think research should continue in the future in this field?

The true cost of each additional breast cancer case that could be detected using the methods we investigated needs to be further examined in future screening studies. We also need to focus resources on understanding women who do not participate in screening and overcoming barriers to participation in health promotion measures.

thesis

“Post-mammography: evaluation of complementary modalities in breast imaging“

Roxana Helgren. Karolinska Institutet (2023), ISBN: 978-91-8016-949-3