In late 2003, the Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST) reached its target goal of enrolling 49,500 women in the United States and Canada. DMIST is now closed to further enrollment while researchers analyze the results.

Initial results from the trial were released from the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) on Sept. 16, 2005 (see the press release) and published in a special online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine that day.

Each study participant had both a digital and coventional screen-film mammogram performed at the time of enrollment, and was asked to return one year later for a follow-up mammogram. The follow-up exam is critical because it will allow researchers to assess each participant's breast health and gather key data for comparing the two technologies.