Screening Tool For Breast Cancer Research Articles

Knowledge and Acceptance Towards Mammography as Breast Cancer Screening Tool Among Yogyakarta Women and Health Care Providers (Mammography Screening in Indonesia)

Annual mammography remains the gold standard of asymptomatic breast cancer screening for women starting at the age of 40. However, Indonesia has not designated mammography as its national screening program. To help policymakers decide whether mammography should be introduced into a national program, it is important to comprehensively understand the knowledge and acceptance of both consumers and providers. A total of 25 subjects including a range of women and health care professionals (HCPs) in Yogyakarta Province were recruited using purposive, maximum variation sampling and then interviewed in-depth. The interviews were recorded and all data were taken and transcribed from the audio recording, which were subsequently translated to English and analyzed thematically. Almost all of Yogyakarta women had heard about the term of mammography. However, only few of them have let themselves be screened, mainly because of their perceived lack of urgency to screen for asymptomatic breast cancer. Another important reason was the high cost of mammography. Meanwhile, several HCPs believed that breast cancer has not been a priority for the government and hence the government limited mammography screening’s access and excluded it from the national insurance coverage. Most women in Yogyakarta have a good understanding about breast cancer screening, but their acceptance of mammography as a breast cancer screening tool is significantly influenced by high cost, limited access, and lack of urgency.

Valor del protocolo abreviado de resonancia magnética mamaria en el cribado de pacientes de alto riesgo

ObjectiveValue the utility of breast MRI abbreviated protocols for the screening of breast cancer in high-risk patients compared to the full protocol. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 157 breast MRI of 82 high-risk patients practiced in our hospital between January 2011 and January 2017. Clinical, radiological and anatomopathological parameters were analyzed. Reading of the different protocols (MIP, abbreviated and full) was made by an expert radiologist. Subsequent statistical analysis was done. ResultsA total amount of 12 findings classified as BI-RADS 4 and 5 were identified and performed a biopsy, resulting 11 of them to be malignant (91.67%) and 1 benign (8.33%). The malignant wounds included 4 intraductal carcinoma (33.33%) and 7 infiltrating ductal carcinoma (58.33%). All injuries were detected with the three protocols and no significant differences were found between their respective area under the ROC curve (p=0.0650). ConclusionsIn our study there are no significant differences between the different protocols (MIP, abbreviated and full), which places the abbreviated protocol as a promising tool for breast cancer screening in high-risk patients.

Medulla loss of scalp hair in breast cancer patients determined by near-infrared microscopy.

.Inexpensive near-infrared microscopy (NIRM) was developed as a convenient technique to detect the medulla loss of scalp hair while reducing analytical time with easy sample preparation, leading to a field screening tool for breast cancer. NIRM has been evaluated as an alternative to synchrotron-based nanoscopy and to the relatively expensive method of conventional infrared microscopy to determine the degree and pattern of medulla loss of scalp hairs of patients with breast cancer and benign diseases, as well as normal healthy individuals. NIR imaging showed a strong, scattering-based hyperintense contrast of the medulla compared to the fully attenuated cortex in medullated healthy hair. Complete medulla loss (CML) per hair strand was more extensively () () detected in the hair of all cancer patients than in the hair of either healthy individuals (less than ) or those with benign disease (), suggesting a potential biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis. The medulla structure was retained mostly in the hair of age-matched healthy individuals, but discontinuous medulla loss was observed concomitantly with less CML in fibroadenoma patients. Potentially, compact NIRM modules can be integrated into a mobile platform as point-of-care technology for breast cancer screening.

Risk of breast cancer based on thermal tomography characteristics.

BackgroundThere is no uniform standard for the diagnosis of breast lesions by thermal tomography (TT). This study aimed to widely analyse the predictive value of TT in patients with breast cancer and establish a uniform standard for the diagnosis of breast lesions.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed data from women who suffered from non-inflammatory unilateral single breast lesion and underwent TT from January 2014 to July 2016. Changes in TT parameters were correlated with the pathologic diagnosis, and its predictive value was assessed.ResultsA total of 407 patients underwent TT examinations during the study period, including 196 subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer. Several characteristics were found to be significantly correlated with breast cancer: age ≥60 years [odds ratio (OR) =109.296, P<0.001], age ≥35 and <60 years (OR =25.720, P<0.001), q-r curve as an angle of 30°–45° (OR =14.895, P<0.001), ΔTs (surface temperature difference between the neoplastic side and the healthy side) ≥0.65 °C (OR =4.129, P<0.001), ΔTn (nipple temperature difference between the neoplastic side and the healthy side) ≥0.45 °C (OR =2.683, P=0.006), isotherm asymmetry (OR =2.297, P=0.035), and vascular plentiful (OR =3.333, P=0.004). Q value as a novel predictive indicator based on the multiple predictor modelling improved the diagnostic rate for breast cancer, and the accuracy in this study was up to 86.7%.ConclusionsAge, q-r curve, ΔTs, ΔTn, isotherm, and vascular features were independent predictors of breast cancer. Q value could be used to assess the risk of breast cancer as an additional diagnostic tool for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

Risk of breast cancer based on thermal tomography characteristics

Background: There is no uniform standard for the diagnosis of breast lesions by thermal tomography (TT). This study aimed to widely analyse the predictive value of TT in patients with breast cancer and establish a uniform standard for the diagnosis of breast lesions. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from women who suffered from non-inflammatory unilateral single breast lesion and underwent TT from January 2014 to July 2016. Changes in TT parameters were correlated with the pathologic diagnosis, and its predictive value was assessed. Results: A total of 407 patients underwent TT examinations during the study period, including 196 subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer. Several characteristics were found to be significantly correlated with breast cancer: age ≥60 years [odds ratio (OR) =109.296, P Conclusions: Age, q-r curve, ΔTs, ΔTn, isotherm, and vascular features were independent predictors of breast cancer. Q value could be used to assess the risk of breast cancer as an additional diagnostic tool for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

Abstract 1618: Breast cancer screening in low and lower - middle income country : A program in Vietnam

Abstract Background: From 1980 to 2010, new breast cancer cases increased by more than 50% worldwide. Disease burden increased even more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over half of breast cancer cases now occur. In Vietnam, approximately 15229 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed with 6103 resulted deaths in 2018. Breast cancer can be detected early by screening; however, it is not covered by medical insurance. Mammogram is currently one of the most reliable screening tools for breast cancer. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, thus allowing for early treatment Purposes: To raise public awareness on breast cancer prevention and early detection, while promoting a habitual routine of breast self - examination and breast cancer screening participation; to call on companies to include breast cancer screening on the periodic health examination for female employees. Methods: We collected data on risk factors of breast cancer. Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS fifth edition) scores from the radiology reports were utilized. The information collected from women who completed the questionnaires included: age, BMI, family history of breast cancer, personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, number of pregnancies, number of babies born, number of abortion, number of miscarriage, stillbirth, hormonal medication use (hormone replacement therapy and daily oral contraceptive), age of menarche, menopause, smoking habit, and breast self-examination results. Results: There were 10,000 Vietnamese women who were over 40 years old (over 35 years old if their mother or their sister had breast cancer) participated in this program. Rate for regular breast self-examination was 19.1%. In the 40 to 55 years-old age group, the rate was 70%, 2.2% for women aged 35-39 years (with a family history of breast cancer). Eight women were diagnosed with breast cancer, the incidence rate was 80 per 100,000 population, respectively. Conclusions: The total fee for a breast cancer screening in Viet Nam is approximately $25 ($20 for a mammogram and $5 for consultation fee). This remains one of the best solutions to detect breast cancer early and reduce the overall burden of cancer treatment costs on the already strained Vietnamese health system. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Voc Tai Dang, Tu Van Dao, Thuan Van Tran, Huong Thi Tran. Breast cancer screening in low and lower - middle income country : A program in Vietnam [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1618.

P219 - A new tool for breast cancer screening: Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) biomarker potential

P219 - A new tool for breast cancer screening: Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) biomarker potential

Abstract P1-02-10: Early stage breast cancer screening using an emerging novel liquid biopsy screening technology

Abstract Background: An emerging novel liquid biopsy technology called Cancer Differentiation Analysis (CDA) has been evaluated as a viable early stage breast cancer screening tool. CDA technology is a blood-sample based, multi-level, multi-parameter diagnostic method which detects signals from both protein, cellular, and to some extent, molecular levels, in which multiple aspects of information can be collected to improve diagnostic accuracy, even for early stage of cancer. Improving capability to screen breast cancer is an important on-going research effort, as breast cancer represents a leading cancer with high incidence rate. Methods: In this single-blind study, 22 breast cancer patients and 25 healthy individuals were recruited at Changhai Hospital of Shanghai. Histopathological examination results of breast cancer patients were collected, 22 cases were diagnosed as infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast, of which 10 patients were stage I breast cancer. 25 individuals were confirmed healthy after physical examinations. Peripheral blood was drawn in EDTA tubes For CDA tests. CDA data of 22 breast cancer patients and 25 healthy individuals were conducted using SPSS, and the results were shown in the table below. Results: The average CDA of breast cancer, stageIbreast cancer, and controls were 43.20, 44.17 and 36.17 (rel. units) respectively as shown in Table 1. Both breast cancer and stage I breast cancer could be significantly distinguished from the control (p = 0.000, p = 0.001, respectively). For stage I breast cancer vs. control group, Area under ROC curve was 0.876, sensitivity and specificity were both 80.0% (Table 2). In contrast to traditional breast cancer screening methodologies which have relatively low sensitivity and high false positives for stage I detection, often with radiation side effects and high costs, advantages of CDA technology include ability to detect early stage cancer with relatively high sensitivity and specificity, and it is also highly cost effective without side effects. Conclusions: Initial results showed that CDA technology could effectively distinguish stageIbreast cancer from healthy individuals, CDA could be a potential candidate for breast cancer screening. Table 1Summary of CDA test resultsGroupSample SizeAge RangeAge MeanAge MedianCDA Mean (rel. units)CDA Median (rel. units)CDA STDEVControl2523 - 67413735.6336.176.98Breast Cancer2239 - 78545343.2042.304.18Stage I Breast Cancer1043 - 78595944.1743.254.29Stage II Breast Cancer839 - 55474941.2840.303.06Stage III Breast Cancer255555542.2042.202.12Stage IV Breast Cancer251 - 64585847.0047.007.78 Table 2AUC, Sensitivity and Specificity of Control vs. Stage I breast cancerStage I Breast Cancer vs. ControlArea Under the CurveSensitivitySpecificity 0.87680.0%80.0% Citation Format: Liu C, Dou J, Sheng Y, Wu J, Hu W, Li Y, Lin Y, Tao H, Tang X, Du X, Yu C. Early stage breast cancer screening using an emerging novel liquid biopsy screening technology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-02-10.

Changing Paradigms in Breast Cancer Screening: Abbreviated Breast MRI.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive imaging method for breast cancer detection. In this review we discuss the vastly superior performance of MRI compared to traditional breast cancer screening modalities of mammography, tomosynthesis and ultrasound. We discuss an abbreviated breast MRI (AB-MRI) protocol utilizing Dixon sequences which is compliant with American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines for accreditation of breast MRI but with significantly reduced scan times. Adaptation of such an AB-MRI protocol significantly increases patient throughput and may allow MRI to serve as a stand- alone breast cancer screening tool.

A Validation Study of a Multiple Reaction Monitoring-Based Proteomic Assay to Diagnose Breast Cancer.

PurposeCurrently, the standard screening tool for breast cancer is screening mammography. There have been many efforts to develop a blood-based diagnostic assay for breast cancer diagnosis; however, none have been approved for clinical use at this time. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a novel blood-based proteomic test for aiding breast cancer diagnosis in a relatively large cohort of cancer patients.MethodsA blood-based test using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) measured by mass spectrometry to quantify 3 peptides (apolipoprotein C-1, carbonic anhydrase 1, and neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein) present in human plasma was investigated. A total of 1,129 blood samples from 575 breast cancer patients, 454 healthy controls, and 100 patients with other malignancies were used to verify and optimize the assay.ResultsThe diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the MRM-based proteomic assay were 71.6%, 85.3%, and 77%, respectively; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8323. The proteomic assay did not demonstrate diagnostic accuracy in patients with other types of malignancies including thyroid, pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers. The diagnostic performance of the proteomic assay was not associated with the timing of blood sampling before or after anesthesia.ConclusionThe data demonstrated that an MRM-based proteomic assay that measures plasma levels of three specific peptides can be a useful tool for breast cancer screening and its accuracy is cancer-type specific.

The use of ‘Think-Out-Loud’ methodology in the development of teaching materials for abbreviated breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (FAST MRI) interpretation, and a comparison of the learning experience of two reader cohorts

AimFAST MRI is an abbreviated breast MRI technique, proposed as a screening tool for breast cancer. This study aims to explore how ‘Think-Out-Loud’ (TOL) methodology can effectively develop and shape training to interpret standard breast MRI on readers’ learning experience. Materials and methodsTOL methodology asks people to speak their thoughts while performing a task; to say whatever they are looking at, thinking, doing, and feeling at each moment. It helps determine expectations and identify aspects of confusion. This methodology was adopted with two groups of image readers to develop training materials for FAST MRI interpretation.Eight image readers (readers); 4 NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) breast MRI and mammogram readers (Group 1) and 4 NHSBSP mammogram readers who do not read breast MRI (Group 2) were audio and video recorded during training. Content analysis was undertaken. ResultsTOL was well received by the readers and allowed iterative development and refinement of a training package. Challenges relating to introducing new concepts and managing uncertainty were identified through the analysis of the TOL audio data. Additionally, Group 2 asked for more clarification than Group 1, of both the teaching materials and how to use the image-manipulation software. ConclusionTOL methodology allowed effective training of both groups of readers. The iterative nature of individual training ensured production of user-friendly materials including frequently-asked-questions sheets. It allowed for each person to feel that their views were fully listened to and incorporated into the training package, allowing for training materials with high face validity.

Assessment of scatter radiation dose and absorbed doses in eye lens and thyroid gland during digital breast tomosynthesis.

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is an alternative tool for breast cancer screening; however, the magnitude of peripheral organs dose is not well known. This study aimed to measure scattered dose and estimate organ dose during mammography under conventional (CM) and Tomo (TM) modes in a specific DBT system. Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs), whose responses were corrected using a parallel‐plate ionization chamber, were pasted on the surface of custom‐made polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and RANDO phantoms to measure entrance surface air kerma (ESAK). ESAK measurements were also acquired with a 4.5‐cm thick breast phantom for a standard mammogram. Organ dose conversion factors (CFD) were determined as ratio of air kerma at a specific depth to that at the surface for the PMMA phantom and multiplied by the ratio of mass energy absorption coefficients of tissue to air. Normalized eye lens and thyroid gland doses were calculated using the RANDO phantom by multiplying CFD and ESAK values. Maximum variability in OSLD response to scatter radiation from the DBT system was 33% in the W/Rh spectrum and variations in scattered dose distribution were observed between CM and TM. The CFD values for eye lens and thyroid gland ranged between 0.58 to 0.66 and 0.29 to 0.33, respectively. Mean organ doses for two‐view unilateral imaging were 0.24 (CM) and 0.18 (TM) μGy/mAs for the eye lens and 0.24 (CM) and 0.25 (TM) μGy/mAs for the thyroid gland. Higher organ doses were observed during TM compared to CM as the automatic exposure control (AEC) system resulted in greater total mAs values in TM.

Rapid MRI of the breast in evaluating lesions discovered on screening.

In Canada, breast MRI has traditionally been reserved for evaluation of disease extent in patients with known breast malignancy. More recently, MRI has been emerging as an instrument for breast screening. However, its utilization is limited by increased relative cost and increased reader time. In this study, we evaluate a rapid MRI protocol for breast cancer screening within a breast screening population. A series of 100 MRI studies performed in a high-risk breast cancer population were selected, ensuring a mix of malignant and benign pathology and normal cases. These were presented as full and abbreviated MRI protocols to 3 breast-trained radiologists. Each case was evaluated for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BIRADS) category and the presence or absence of cancer. The time taken to complete and interpret each study was also recorded. Of the 100 cases, 17 were of histopathology-proven invasive carcinoma, 6 were ductal carcinoma in situ, 33 were benign, and 44 were normal cases. Sensitivity using the rapid protocol was 69.6% (CI: 47.1-86.8) vs 83% (CI: 61.2-95.1) using the full protocol. Specificity using the rapid protocol was 77.9% (CI: 67.0-86.6) vs 83% (CI: 61.2-95.1) using the full protocol. Intra-observer agreement of BIRADS category and cancer detection was very good (0.82-0.93 weighted Kappa and 0.81-0.9 weighted Kappa, respectively). Inter-observer variability of BIRADS category and cancer detection was moderate (0.54-0.59 and 0.53-0.58, respectively). Our study suggests that a rapid MRI protocol is comparable in performance to that of a standard MRI protocol. In addition, breast imagers are unlikely to change their BIRADS assessment of a study based on the additional sequences provided by the lengthier study. The use of a rapid MRI protocol can improve accessibility, thus making breast MRI a more utilized tool for breast cancer screening.

Effect of Health Education on Female Teachers\u2019 Knowledge and Practices Regarding Early Breast Cancer Detection and Screening in the Jazan Area: a Quasi-Experimental Study

Educational programs are important tools for breast cancer prevention. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of health education in improving the knowledge and practices of female teachers regarding screening tools and the early detection of breast cancer. A two-group quasi-experimental design was conducted among 150 female teachers, who were selected from 75 schools of the Jazan General Administration of Education. Schools were chosen by a simple cluster randomization method and non-randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Eligible participants were recruited by a simple randomization method, proportional to the total number of teachers at each school. Those in the intervention group (n = 75) were compared to the control group (n = 75) at baseline, as well as at 6 weeks and 3 months post-intervention. Knowledge of breast cancer screening tools was measured using a modified version of the Breast Cancer Knowledge test. Breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography practices were also measured. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge and practice levels at both 6 weeks and 3 months post-intervention. Thus, the results of this study provide evidence that group health education programs are effective in improving breast cancer knowledge and practices in female teachers. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03398057.

Applying Data-driven Imaging Biomarker in Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening: Preliminary Study

We assessed the feasibility of a data-driven imaging biomarker based on weakly supervised learning (DIB; an imaging biomarker derived from large-scale medical image data with deep learning technology) in mammography (DIB-MG). A total of 29,107 digital mammograms from five institutions (4,339 cancer cases and 24,768 normal cases) were included. After matching patients’ age, breast density, and equipment, 1,238 and 1,238 cases were chosen as validation and test sets, respectively, and the remainder were used for training. The core algorithm of DIB-MG is a deep convolutional neural network; a deep learning algorithm specialized for images. Each sample (case) is an exam composed of 4-view images (RCC, RMLO, LCC, and LMLO). For each case in a training set, the cancer probability inferred from DIB-MG is compared with the per-case ground-truth label. Then the model parameters in DIB-MG are updated based on the error between the prediction and the ground-truth. At the operating point (threshold) of 0.5, sensitivity was 75.6% and 76.1% when specificity was 90.2% and 88.5%, and AUC was 0.903 and 0.906 for the validation and test sets, respectively. This research showed the potential of DIB-MG as a screening tool for breast cancer.

Knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among sample of women in Shatra/Dhi-Qar/Iraq

ObjectivesThe knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) and breast cancer (BC) warning signs for the prevention purpose among females in Technical Institute of Shatra, Dhi-Qar Province, Iraq were investigated. MethodsA cross-sectional survey by self-administered questionnaire prepared and 200 participants surveyed from January to March 2017 included 122 students, 45 teaching staff, and 33 employees. ResultsThe results showed that 73% of students, 88% teaching staff, and 85% employees heard of BSE. About 55.7% of students, 44% teaching staff, and 45.4% employees know how to do BSE.Only 25.4% students, 24.4% teaching staff, and 21.2% employees actually practiced BSE.Fifty-four percent of students, 42% teaching staff, and 37% employees know that a mammography is a tool for screening of BC. Most of the participants had knowledge about warning signs of BC but only half of all the participants know that the best time for BSE is 5th to 7th day after menstrual cycle and only 31% know that the correct age to do BSE is >18 year age.TV and internet were the main sources of knowledge about SBE for 47% of all participants.There was a low awareness of BC and BSE among the participants and there are a need for continuing medical education programs by TV and the internet about BC warn signs, BSE and risk factors.

Errors in Mammography Cannot be Solved Through Technology Alone

Mammography has been the frontline screening tool for breast cancer for decades. However, high error rates in the form of false negatives (FNs) and false positives (FPs) have persisted despite technological improvements. Radiologists still miss between 10% and 30% of cancers while 80% of woman recalled for additional views have normal outcomes, with 40% of biopsied lesions being benign. Research show that the majority of cancers missed is actually visible and looked at, but either go unnoticed or are deemed to be benign. Causal agents for these errors include human related characteristics resulting in contributory search, perception and decision-making behaviours. Technical, patient and lesion factors are also important relating to positioning, compression, patient size, breast density and presence of breast implants as well as the nature and subtype of the cancer itself, where features such as architectural distortion and triple-negative cancers remain challenging to detect on screening. A better understanding of these causal agents as well as the adoption of technological and educational interventions, which audits reader performance and provide immediate perceptual feedback, should help. This paper reviews the current status of our knowledge around error rates in mammography and explores the factors impacting it. It also presents potential solutions for maximizing diagnostic efficacy thus benefiting the millions of women who undergo this procedure each year.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors: a Cross- Cultural Comparison between the West and the East

Background:The incidence of breast cancer in Lebanon is higher than any other Middle –Eastern country, is diagnosed at a younger age than women in Western countries, and is more aggressive and fatal. Therefore addressing risk factors in this population is of paramount importance.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional, comparative design evaluated the risk factors for breast cancer in a convenient sample of 105 Lebanese-American women with 250 Lebanese. Odds Ratio, Chi square t-tests or ANOVA were used to compare the two groups’ risk factors and knowledge of screening tools. Associations found to be statistically significant were included in three multiple logistic regression models to estimate the odds of each variable for performing a mammography, a clinical breast exam (CBE) and a breast self-exam (BSE).Results:There were more Muslims in the Lebanese-American sample who perceived having a better income, and had a better understanding of the effectiveness of the mammogram, the CBE and the BSE. The Lebanese group reached menopause at an older age, t = 2.66, p = 0.05, smoked more, OR = 1.42, p = 0.001 and were five times more likely to live close to a main road or highway, OR = 5.75, p = 0.001 than the Lebanese-American group. The Lebanese- Americana group breast fed longer χ2= 11.68, p = .008, used contraceptives more, OR = 1.74, p = 0.027, exercised more, OR = 1.61, p < 0.001, and consumed more vegetables and fruits than their Lebanese counterparts, OR= 1.22, p = 0.002, and OR = 1.27 p = 0.001, respectively. For ever having a mammogram, the duration of breastfeeding (>6 months), effectiveness of the mammogram, and exercise were significant predictors. While for ever having a CBE, smoking, eating fruits, and exercise were significant. No variables were related to performing a BSE.Conclusion:The Lebanese women had higher risk factors for developing breast cancer, and had less knowledge of the benefits of breast cancer screening tools, calling for the importance of promoting healthy life styles and education.

Breast cancer screening in a resource poor country: Ultrasound versus mammography

Breast cancer is the commonest female cancer in Nigeria. Despite its increased awareness, affordability of available screening tools is a bane. Mammography, the goal standard for screening is costly and not widely available in terms of infrastructure, technical/personnel capabilities. Ultrasound is accessible and affordable. This study compared the use of ultrasound and mammography as breast cancer screening tools in women in South West Nigeria by characterizing and comparing the prevalent breast parenchyma, breast cancer features and the independent sensitivity of ultrasound and mammography. This cross sectional comparative descriptive study used both ultrasound and mammography as screening tools in 300 consenting women aged 30 to 60 years who attended a free breast cancer screening campaign in a tertiary hospital in Lagos. Categorical variables were presented in tables and Chi squares for associations P-value set at ± 0.1. Mean age was 41.01 + 6.5years with majority in the 30 - 39 year age group 139 (55%). Fatty (BIRADS A and B) parenchyma predominated {ultrasound 237 (79%); mammography 233 (77.7%)} in all age groups. 7 (2.3%) were confirmed malignant by histology with (6) in the 30-39 age group and (1) in the 40-49 age group. Ultrasound detected all the confirmed cases 7(100%), whereas mammography detected 6 (85%). Sensitivity was higher using ultrasound (100%) than mammography (85.7%). Ultrasound can be utilized as a first line of screening especially in remote/rural areas in developing world. Part funding from Run for Cure governmental organization.

Tomosynthesis as a screening tool for breast cancer: A systematic review

BackgroundMammography is an important screening tool for reducing breast cancer mortality. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can potentially be integrated with mammography to aid in cancer detection. MethodUsing the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of current literature was conducted to identify issues relating to the use of tomosynthesis as a screening tool together with mammography. FindingsUsing tomosynthesis with digital mammography (DM) increases breast cancer detection, reduces recall rates and increases the positive predictive value of those cases recalled. Invasive cancer detection is significantly improved in tomosynthesis compared to mammography, and has improved success for women with heterogeneous or extremely dense breasts. ConclusionTomosynthesis reduces some limitations of mammography at the time of screening that until recently were most often addressed by ultrasound at later work-up. Tomosynthesis can potentially be adopted alongside mammography as a screening tool.