Most government health bodies recommend women undergo regular mammography, but it is also widely accepted that standard mammography screening has limitations. How can breast screening be improved, generating better results for patients?

1. Combine mammograms with other modalities According to the UK's Royal College of Radiology, the use of ultrasound in combination with conventional mammography in women with dense breasts is associated with an increase in detection of early breast cancer and a reduction in the interval cancer rate. The ability to view different modality screens side by side supports radiologists in making accurate diagnoses, using a wider range of information. 


2. Breast Tomosynthesis An exciting development is the growing use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Several large trials are underway, but early studies show that rates of false positives decreased and rates of cancer detection increased by using DBT. Combined use of DBT and digital mammography leads to improved diagnostic imaging - and better outcomes for women as well as more efficient use of healthcare resources.  3. Use color The use of color in medical imaging continues to evolve and can go beyond simple annotation to depicting more complex diagnostic information. However, today, there's only one diagnostic display on the market that allows viewing of both breast tomosynthesis and color images. It even comes with color calibration to guarantee consistent, perceptually linear color so radiologists can rely on the diagnostic value of color if present in the image.

About the author 

Lynda Domogalla is Vice President of Product Marketing at Barco. She holds a degree in architecture from the University of Oregon. With over two decades of marketing and management experience, she is heavily involved in the go-to-market strategy for new products and in driving sales and partner enablement for Barco's extensive healthcare portfolio.

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