Dense breast tissue and tumours appear similar on scans, which can make the latter hard to identify
Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock
A recent large trial has revealed the importance of extra cancer screening for women with dense breast tissue. The study found that this additional screening was able to detect tumours that were missed in standard mammograms.
In the UK, mammograms are offered to women between the ages of 50 and 71 to screen for breast cancer. However, approximately half of women in this age group have dense breast tissue, which consists of a high proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue. This dense tissue appears white on scans, similar to tumours, making it challenging to identify cancerous growths.
According to Thomas Helbich from the Medical University of Vienna, the issue with dense breasts is that cancers are often detected at a later stage, leading to a less favorable prognosis.
To address this issue, Sarah Vinnicombe and her team at the University of Dundee conducted a trial involving over 6000 women aged 50 to 70 with dense breasts. These women had clear mammogram results in their most recent screening. The participants were divided into three groups for additional screening using MRI, ultrasound, or contrast-enhanced mammography.
The supplementary screening identified 85 small tumours, with MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography detecting three times more tumours than ultrasound. While some of the detected tumours were non-invasive, others were invasive and had the potential to spread beyond the breast tissue.
Helbich emphasizes the importance of detecting these cancers early, as delayed detection can lead to larger tumor sizes and a poorer prognosis. The researchers aim to track the participants to determine if the extra screening ultimately saves lives and justifies the cost of implementing it on a larger scale.
While the results are promising, it is essential to consider potential drawbacks, such as the possibility of detecting non-cancerous or low-risk tumours, which could cause unnecessary anxiety or treatment. Further research will be crucial in evaluating the long-term benefits of supplemental screening for women with dense breast tissue.
The study highlights the significance of tailored screening approaches for individuals with specific risk factors, ultimately improving the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Topics:
