Digital Test Better at Finding Breast Cancer

A new computerized version of mammography is significantly better than the conventional test at catching breast cancer in many women, according to a major study released by the National Cancer Institute.

The long-awaited study of nearly 50,000 U.S. women found that digital mammography picked up 15 to 28 percent more cancers in women younger than 50, those who had not gone through menopause and those with dense breast. (Breast tissue density is a factor related to menstruation, estrogen and age, not weight.)

The digital technology allows radiologists to manipulate the images, such as adjusting the contrast, to make them easier to interpret. That may reduce the need for follow-up tests to examine suspect areas. The approach also uses slightly less radiation, and the images are easier to store and transmit.

The study, called the Digital Mammographic Screening Trial, had women undergo a standard and a digital mammogram, each of which was read by a different radiologist, and had another mammogram a year later. Only about 8 percent of mammography units available nationwide are digital yet experts stress that no woman should delay getting a mammogram and that traditional mammograms are still very effective.

Breast cancer strikes 211,000 U.S. women each year and kills more than 40,000, making it the leading form of cancer and second-biggest cancer killer (after lung) among women. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms starting at the age of 40.