Early detection is crucial for surviving breast cancer. Yet, nearly half of women in the U.S. have dense breast tissue, which can make cancer hard to spot on a standard mammogram.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that adding a test called molecular breast imaging (MBI) to a 3D mammogram can more than double the chances of finding cancer in dense tissue.
“A mammogram is an important screening tool, but dense breast tissue can hide cancers until they become large and harder to treat,” said Carrie Hruska, Ph.D., a professor of medical physics and lead author of a study published in Radiology. “Our research focuses on detecting the most aggressive cancers early. By catching them sooner, we can save more lives.”
The study involved 2,978 women aged 40 to 75 with dense breasts across five medical centers. Each participant received two annual screenings that combined MBI with 3D mammography, also called digital breast tomosynthesis.
Researchers found that using both tests together detected more cancer than either test alone.
“MBI is a simple, safe, and affordable option for women with dense breasts who want extra screening,” Dr. Hruska added.
Currently, combined MBI and mammogram screenings are offered at about 30 sites in the U.S., including Mayo Clinic Health System locations in La Crosse and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Mayo Clinic campuses in Rochester, Phoenix, and Jacksonville, Florida.
Although adding MBI increased the number of women called back for further testing—279 more in the first year—this number dropped by half during the second round of screenings.
Looking ahead, Dr. Hruska’s team is developing an algorithm to cut the imaging time from 40 minutes to about 20 minutes. This would make the process more comfortable and allow more women to access this screening.
The full study includes a complete list of authors, funding sources, and disclosures.
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