This underscores how better image quality could lead to fewer false positives and ultimately reduce the need for patients who have to come back into the breast center to be reimaged. As imaging technology advances, the focus on enhancing image quality will undoubtedly remain at the forefront.
The impact of positioning challenges
Positioning challenges during mammography, such as not capturing enough breast tissue or improper alignment, are the key drivers of retakes. These issues can lead to unclear images that require patients to return for additional screenings, further increasing costs for health centers. Images with inadequate positioning have been found to decrease sensitivity by 18% and images with better positioning result in earlier cancer detection. Moreover, 10-15% of the patient population has limitations that will result in sub-optimal imaging. Therefore, there is a clear need to advance technology to fundamentally address these positioning challenges.
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For example, some software solutions can capture positioning feedback from the reviewing radiologist who can document deficiencies and recommend corrective actions for the technologist. By using these tools, centers can provide targeted training, potentially reducing the number of retakes while improving both patient care and operational efficiency.
It’s clear that excessive recalls and retakes in breast cancer screening create a significant financial and workflow burden to both the health care facility and the patient. To address this, we need solutions that can decrease the need for additional imaging in patients that do not ultimately have cancer. Advancements like 3D mammograms can help by improving image quality, which in turn lowers costs. Real time software can help give feed back to the technologists so that they can obtain optimal imaging prior to the patient departing the breast center. These innovations will lead to cost-efficient and accessible breast cancer screening for all.
About the author: Erik Anderson is the president of breast & skeletal health solutions at HologicBack to HCB News
