New Study Finds Better Way To Detect Breast Cancer?

Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., M.S.

A new study, conducted by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network has found that the new breast cancer technology called digital mammography can save time, money and, most important, lives.

The first full-field digital mammography system, approved by the FDA in 2000, was the Senographe 2000D from General Electric's (nyse: GE - news - people ) GE Healthcare Systems division.

The single largest factor preventing wide acceptance of this new diagnostic procedure is the large investment. Digital systems can cost between $400,000 and $500,000, three or four times the amount for a standard X-ray machine.

No Wait--Immediate Results

By transmitting the digital images directly to a computer for processing, the wait for film X-ray development is eliminated.

Patients can get results while they wait, in as little as ten minutes.

Studies have shown that computer-aided design (CAD) software, developed by companies like Eastman Kodak (nyse: EK - news - people ), R2 Technologies and iCad (nasdaq: ICAD - news - people ), can identify at least 25% of cancers missed in an initial screening between ten and 15 months sooner than by a radiologist alone.

Such demonstrable success rates have persuaded many insurance companies to reimburse doctors who use CAD-enhanced digital mammography.

According to Polkus, one of the researchers, "knowing that we can reduce errors and anxiety, and help detect cancer sooner, is a really good feeling. The sooner you can find it, the better chance someone has of surviving."

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