Annual mammography screening can save lives because breast cancer is a progressive disease and early detection enables improved prognosis due to appropriate treatment of small nonpalpable node-negative cancers. Multiple randomized controlled trials and observational studies have shown that mammography can reduce breast cancer mortality by 30% or more.

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) first entered the breast imaging clinical arena when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DBT in 2011. Multiple studies have shown that DBT is effective in both mammography screening and diagnostic settings. Tomosynthesis has quickly emerged as a practice-changing standard that improves the clinical accuracy of a mammogram by increasing both sensitivity and specificity; thus, reducing the masking effect of overlapping fibroglandular tissue, thereby improving breast cancer detection. The improved accuracy and overall efficiency that DBT provides, will enhance radiologists’ performance and improve the patient experience.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the importance of breast screening mammography.
• Incorporate the differences between, and benefits of 2D and 3D mammography into routine clinical practice.
• Apply 3D tomosynthesis to improve patient care, particularly in the management of patients with dense breasts.

No special educational preparation is required for this CME/CE Activity!

Supported through an unrestricted educational grant from FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.