3D mammography ‘can offer substantial breast cancer diagnosis benefits’

The diagnostic benefits of newer digital breast tomosynthesis innovations have been underlined by a new study from Norway.

Carried out by Oslo University Hospital, the research has shown this new approach – also known as 3D mammography – has the potential to significantly increase cancer detection rates in mammography screening of women with dense breasts.

The study compared cancer detection rates using full-field digital mammography (FFDM) versus FFDM plus digital breast tomosynthesis in 25,547 women between the ages of 50 and 69.

It was found that 82 percent of cancer cases were detected with FFDM plus tomosynthesis, compared to only 63 percent detected with FFDM alone. The discrepancy was even more pronounced in women with dense breasts.

Study lead author Dr Per Skaane, from the department of radiology at Oslo University Hospital, said: "Our results show that implementation of tomosynthesis might indicate a new era in breast cancer screening."

In 2011, just under 50,000 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. It remains the most common form of cancer in the country.