Tomosynthesis mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST): An Invitation and Opportunity for the National Medical Association Community to Shape the Future of Precision Screening for Breast Cancer

Abstract

To determine the best screening modality for breast cancer, a large randomized clinical trial is underway to compare the mammographic accuracy between the standard digital and tomosynthesis mammography. The Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) is also building the world's largest biorepository of breast cancer specimens from all biopsies at screening and wants to ensure it is representative of the US population. We invite the National Medical Association physicians, as leaders in the health care of African Americans, to continue their commitment to eliminating disparities by promoting the TMIST among African American women. The outcome of the trial will help to advance precision screening, individually tailoring screening decisions based on breast density, tumor subtyping and genomics. The partnership with NMA is essential to building trust, dispelling misconceptions about clinical trials in the community as well as to support a cadre of African American physicians and researchers who can contribute to the current understanding of the social determinants of breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Genomics; Health disparities; Precision screening; Tomosynthesis mammography.