National Study of Digital Mammography

On September 4, 2001, the National Cancer institute (NCI) and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) began a multi-center study that aims to provide more information on the costs and benefits of digital mammography compared with traditional X-ray film mammography.

According to an interview in NCI’s Behind the News with the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Etta Pisano, M.D., the study has the potential to answer several burning questions. Digital mammography, unlike traditional mammography, may produce more detailed images without increasing levels of radiation. These more detailed images are expected to be most beneficial for women with dense breasts that are often difficult to image. This study may help researchers to determine whether or not the images from digital mammography are better than those from traditional X-ray mammography. It may also inform researchers about the benefits of more detailed digital mammograms in the detection of breast cancers. Because of the potential for improvements in detail, it is thought that digital mammography might reduce the number of women requiring repeat mammograms.

Other important questions involve the psychological and monetary costs associated with digital mammography as compared to traditional X-ray mammography. Digital mammography may reduce heightened anxiety levels related to the need for repeat mammograms. This study will also test four different digital mammography machines for cost-effectiveness. Three of these are completely digital, while the fourth is made to work along with existing X-ray mammography machines. Although the costs of new machinery will make digital mammograms more expensive initially, it is possible that some cost-savings will occur due to a decrease in the need for repeat mammograms. For more information related to this study, please visit NCI’s Behind the News at http://newscenter.cancer.gov/behindnews/digitmamm.html .

Lori Hamby, ScM