However, the study showed no difference between digital and standard x-ray mammography in detecting breast cancer for the general population of women. More than 1,300 women took part in the trial at the University of Virginia Health System, one of 33 sites in the U.S. and Canada to study the effectiveness of digital mammogram technology.
"It's important for every women to get a quality mammogram. But if you're under 50, premenopausal or know you have dense breast tissue, you should consider having a digital mammogram at your next scheduled screening," said Dr. Jennifer Harvey, a radiologist and head of breast imaging at the UVa Health System and site investigator for the trial at UVa. "However, women should not delay getting a mammogram if only film screen technology is available. Traditional film screen mammograms save lives as well."
Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly in a computer, allowing the recorded data to be enhanced, magnified, or manipulated for further evaluation. The electronic image also can be printed on film. Film mammography units use film to both capture and display the image. The sensitivity of film mammography is somewhat limited in women with dense breasts, a population at higher risk for breast cancer.
UVa has been performing digital mammography as part of research studies since the mid-1990's and for clinical use since 2001. The breast program at UVa currently has three GE digital mammogram machines for patients, two in the Breast Care Center in the West Complex and one at Northridge. A fourth digital machine is
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Contact: Bob Beard
bobbeard@virginia.edu
434-982-4490
University of Virginia Health System
19-Sep-2005