Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis: Recent Advances in Imaging and Current Limitations

Abstract

Breast cancer detection has a significant impact on population health. Although there are many breast imaging modalities, mammography is the predominant tool for breast cancer screening. The introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis to mammography has contributed to increased cancer detection rates and decreased recall rates. In average-risk women, starting annual screening mammography at age 40 years has demonstrated the highest mortality reduction. In intermediate- and high-risk women as well as in those with dense breasts, additional modalities, including MRI, ultrasound, and molecular breast imaging, can also be considered for adjunct screening to improve the detection of mammographically occult malignancy.

Keywords: Breast cancer screening; Breast magnetic resonance imaging; Digital breast tomosynthesis; Mammography; Molecular breast imaging; Positron emission mammography; Ultrasound.