Cancer patients with dense breasts have a higher risk of recurring malignancy

Nov 13 2009

U-Systems Inc.:

CLINICAL PROBLEM: Dense Breast Tissue Increases Cancer Risk

A study published in the current issue of Cancer found that breast cancer patients with dense breasts have a 4x higher risk of recurring malignancy. This bolsters previous studies, including one published in NEJM (356:227-236, 1/18/2007), which showed:

• dense breast tissue as a significant risk factor for breast cancer;
• dense breasts often mask the appearance of tumors making them difficult to detect with mammography
• approximately 35 percent of breast cancer goes undetected by mammography in women with dense breasts

CLINICAL STUDY: Ground-Breaking Ultrasound Breast Cancer Screening Study

The SOMO•INSIGHT study is a nationwide multi-center clinical study designed to evaluate whether digital mammography in combination with the somo•v Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) is more sensitive to detecting breast lesions when compared to digital mammography alone in women with dense breasts:

• intends to recruit over 20,000 women at 12 breast imaging centers nationwide
  • For information about the SOMO•INSIGHT study, call 866-364-6777 or visit http://www.u-systems.com/Healthcare_Professionals/index.cfm/15
• study goal is to provide the scientific foundation for the establishment of the standard for ultrasound breast cancer screening

WHY: Ultrasound Improves Detection in Dense Breasts

According to a study published in JAMA (299(18):2151-2163, 5/14/2008), the addition of ultrasound for the screening of breast cancer significantly improves detection rates among women who have dense breast tissue.

• Researchers suggested that patients with dense breast tissue speak with their physician about participation in a clinical trial evaluating ultrasound or other novel screening methods for breast cancer.

WHO: The following breast imaging experts are available to discuss breast density, the SOMO•INSIGHT study and how women can find information about participation:

• Rachel F. Brem, MD, professor of radiology and director, Breast Imaging and Interventional Center, George Washington University, Washington DC
• Marc F. Inciardi, MD, radiologist, Breast Imaging Center, University of Kansas Hospital
• Investigators from Calif., Texas, Illinois, Fla., and Wash. are also available
• Nancy Capello, Ph.D., founder of www.areyoudense.org and was instrumental in legislation passed in CT to inform women of their breast density

VISUALS: Ultrasound exam footage, ultrasound medical images and system photos available.