3D mammography’s screening performance improves with patient age - Radiology Business

A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital, published in RSNA’s Radiology Imaging Cancer, highlights the effectiveness of digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), particularly for older women. Researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 mammograms and found that cancer detection rates significantly increased with age, from 2.9 per 1,000 exams for women in their 40s to 8.3 for those in their 70s. The performance was even better for women aged 80 and above, detecting 10.6 cases per 1,000 exams. The study indicated improved sensitivity and specificity of screenings among older women, challenging current age-based mammography guidelines that become less clear for those aged 75 and older. The findings support the need for individualized screening strategies that consider a patient’s health status rather than relying solely on age. The researchers advocate for reassessing screening guidelines to better cater to older demographics while also acknowledging the importance of early screening for younger women.

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:43:52 GMT | Radiology Business