Women's Imaging

About one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during the course of a lifetime1. Due to this daunting statistic, women are becoming more informed about various imaging options and available procedures in order to mitigate late diagnosis. Patients are asking healthcare providers in-depth questions such as Do I have dense breasts, and what are the best procedures to screen me for breast cancer? and What is difference between a traditional 2D mammogram and 3D tomosynthesis? The answers to these questions and many others highly influence where a patient decides to receive treatment and care.

During the month of October, the nation as a whole focuses on breast cancer awareness, treatment measures, and ultimately finding breast cancer as early as possible. KLAS recently published Women's Imaging 2015: Are New Technologies Delivering Promised Benefits?, which shines a light on how various imaging technologies are performing and what technology could change the current industry landscape.

3D tomosynthesis is advanced mammography imaging, and some report it can detect breast tissue abnormalities earlier than traditional 2D mammograms. The 3D tomosynthesis technology and procedure has only been available in the United States during the past four years with Hologic receiving the first FDA approval, followed by GE and then Siemens. Hologic still dominates the 3D tomosynthesis market but will now have competition from the above vendors.

Tomosynthesis is changing the imaging market. Healthcare providers continue to add the technology by upgrading existing 2D units as well as purchasing new 3D units. The market is evolving and becoming more consumer driven as patients are asking for tomosynthesis by name as they learn of its benefits. Breast density legislation is also changing the market and promoting more discussion about risk factors, pushing women to become aware of their risk levels. Breast ultrasound, both handheld and automated, is also on the rise, and many are seeing the benefits of breast ultrasound when it is coupled with all mammography.

Breast cancer awareness is an endless pursuit as technology advances, and KLAS is committed to helping highlight the experience of the healthcare professional providing the treatment. This in turn will help patients receive the best care possible.

1 Your Risk of Breast Cancer. Retrieved from Breastcancer.org.