By Emmanuel Dominic 
New Research Suggests Additional Scans for Dense Breasts Can Prevent 700 Deaths Annually
A recent UK study by the University of Cambridge indicates that supplemental cancer screenings for women with very dense breast tissue could detect an additional 3,500 breast cancer cases annually and potentially save 700 lives each year.
Why Dense Breast Tissue Matters
Dense breast tissue, present in about 10% of women, appears white on mammograms—the same color as tumors—making it challenging to detect cancer.
Enhanced Screening Methods
The study evaluated over 9,000 women with dense breasts who previously had negative mammogram results. It found that:
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) detected 19 additional cancers per 1,000 women.
- Abbreviated MRI (Ab-MRI) identified 17 additional cancers per 1,000 women.
- Automated breast ultrasound (Abus) found only 4 additional cancers per 1,000 women.
In contrast, standard mammograms typically detect about 8 cancers per 1,000 women with dense breasts.
Implications for Screening Protocols
These findings are under review by the UK National Screening Committee as part of efforts to improve breast cancer screening protocols.
Considerations
While enhanced screenings show promise, experts emphasize the need for further research to assess cost-effectiveness and the potential for overdiagnosis.
This study underscores the importance of personalized screening strategies, especially for women with dense breast tissue, to improve early detection and potentially save lives.
