UW, SCCA find 3D mammograms reduce breast cancer false positives

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University of Washington

Dr. Christoph Lee, an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, was the lead author of a study showing 3D mammography is more effective than traditional mammography for some patients.

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Annie Zak

Staff Writer- Puget Sound Business Journal

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A new study from the University of Washington and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance found that while more women are being told to get screened for breast cancer, they may not be getting screened in the best way.

For women with dense breast tissue, standard mammograms don't always show what's happening inside of the breast. But using tomosynthesis, or 3D mammograms, these women could improve their health outcomes. The 3D system would also cut costs by reducing the number of women called back for unnecessary screenings, the study found.

One breast cancer death could be prevented and 810 false positive follow-up exams could be avoided per 2,000 women over 12 rounds of screening using tomosynthesis.

The study came in response to legislation that went into effect this month in 19 states that requires health providers to notify women if they have dense breast tissue. The law does not specify the type of screenings those women should get, however, which is what prompted this study. With 2D screenings, superimposition of tissue is often a problem because parts of tissue can build up and appear to be a lump.

Using 3D mammograms aren't any more invasive than standard screenings.

"The impact for the patients in terms of mortality benefit and decreased anxiety are the main benefits we're seeing," said Dr. Christoph Lee, lead author of the study, assistant professor at the University of Washington and staff radiologist at SCCA.

Fewer women have to come back and undergo biopsies with this type of screening, he said.

The study is the first of its kind performed at a national level, and could eventually influence formal screening recommendations.

Annie Zak covers the health care and biotechnology industries.