Summary
Researchers at Mayo Clinic studied a method to improve breast cancer screening for women with dense breast tissue by adding a test called Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) to traditional 3D mammograms. The study found that this combination improves cancer detection in these women. However, while experts suggest MBI as a simpler and low-cost option, it is currently available in limited locations in the U.S.
Key Facts
- Researchers suggest combining 3D mammograms with Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) for women with dense breast tissue.
- Nearly half of U.S. women have dense breast tissue, which can make cancer harder to detect using only mammograms.
- The study involved 2,978 women aged 40–75 with dense breasts and spanned from 2017 to 2022.
- Using MBI with mammograms detected more cancers than using mammograms alone.
- The recall rate increased initially but decreased significantly by the second screening when using the combination method.
- MBI uses a radioactive tracer with a special camera for imaging.
- This combination test is currently available at about 30 sites across the U.S.
- Researchers aim to reduce imaging time from 40 to 20 minutes to increase accessibility.
