A new national survey from MedStar Health shows tens of thousands of women skipping regular mammograms may be unaware of potentially life-saving advances in screening technology. Over the past two decades, genetic testing, artificial intelligence (AI), and tomosynthesis (otherwise known as 3D mammography) have led to more accurate results, earlier detection, and less hassle for women.
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According to the survey, almost half of U.S. women eligible for an annual mammogram-age 40 or over-do not receive one every year, and just over one in ten have never had a mammogram. At the same time, only a third know that AI is now being used to help doctors read mammogram results with benefits including:
— More accurate and faster results.
— Fewer false positives.
— Higher level of confidence in diagnosis.
— Fewer call backs for additional imaging.
“Women, especially those with dense breasts, know there is a chance they'll get a call after their mammogram to come back for additional imaging,” said Brooke Wolvin, MD, diagnostic radiologist with MedStar Health. “AI gives us a second set of eyes to confirm accurate results faster, and we oftentimes don't need the patient to return at all.”
While nearly 40% of respondents didn't know AI-assisted screening provided any benefit, more than 60% feel comfortable with the idea of AI assisting the radiologist reading their images. It's a potential game-changer for the one in 10 patients who get called back after a mammogram, according to physicians. Of women surveyed, most said call backs make them anxious (66%) and almost half feel scared (46%).
“AI-assisted screening is a win-win for women,” said Jennifer Flaim, MD, diagnostic radiologist with MedStar Health. “We know that fear and anxiety can keep an eligible patient from getting regular mammograms, but advancements in the field are making the process easier and saving lives.”
Dense breast tissue is just one of many risk factors for breast cancer women surveyed were asked to identify. While most respondents knew to watch out for family history, age, and smoking history, fewer than half were aware of other risk factors including:
— Dense breasts.
— Menopause after age 55.
— Use of certain oral contraceptives.
— Starting your menstrual period before age 12.
— Having your first child after age 30.
Overall, only 9% were able to successfully identify all the risk factors.
“Fewer than one in ten women knowing the breast cancer risk factors is particularly concerning because many women may be at higher risk and not know it,” Dr. Wolvin said. “That's why it's so important to work with your primary care provider to understand your own personal risk level and make sure you are getting regular breast cancer screenings as soon as possible.”
Dr. Wolvin advises women with the above risk factors to visit a high-risk clinic where clinicians can assess the need for more frequent screenings, or supplemental screenings with additional imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI.
MedStar Health's free Health Risk Assessment for breast cancer can help women better understand their own level of risk. To learn more, visit: www.MedStarHealth.org/BreastHRA
To view and download the full results of MedStar Health's new survey, click here.
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SOURCE MedStar Health
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