28 November 2019

A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine* suggests that the use of breast MRI in addition to mammograms in women with extremely dense breast can improve the rate of “interval cancer” detection.

Interval cancers are those that occur after an apparently normal mammogram, but prior to the next scheduled mammogram. An example could be a lump felt by a patient a few months after a “clear” mammogram. Interval cancers are more likely to be more aggressive (triple negative or Her2/neu over-expressed) and/or occur in women who have dense breasts on mammogram.

Researchers in the Netherlands evaluated the role of breast MRI as a supplemental screening tool in women age 50-74, who had a normal mammogram and an “extremely dense” (BIRADS 4 density) reading. After a normal mammogram, women were randomized 1:4 to supplemental MRI versus continued mammogram only (1 woman received an invitation for MRI for every 4 who continued undergoing only mammograms). The standard mammography screening in the Netherlands is every 2 years. 8061 women were in the “intent to treat” with MRI group and 32,312 in the mammogram alone group. 59% (4783) of women randomized to the MRI group actually accepted and underwent supplemental MRI.

Some of the key findings:

  • In the MRI “intent to treat” group, they found 2.5 / 1000 interval cancers and in the mammography group there were 5.0 / 1000 interval cancers
  • However, out of the 20 interval cancers discovered in the MRI “intent to treat” group, only 4 were in women who had actually undergone MRI. The other 16 were in women were randomized to the MRI group but did not have the study – they had mammograms only
  • Out of the women who underwent MRI, approximately 10% (454) were recalled for additional imaging
  • 300 women had needle biopsies due to findings on MRI, and out of those, 79 (26%) were found to have cancer. 64 of the cancers were invasive and 15 were noninvasive (DCIS). 74% of the biopsies did NOT show cancer
  • The cancers detected by MRI on average were smaller than those detected by mammography. The majority were hormone receptor positive and lymph node negative
  • DCIS was more likely to be detected in women undergoing MRI (0.31%) versus mammogram alone (0.03%)
  • 0.1% of patients who had an MRI experienced an adverse reaction including fainting, contrast (dye) reaction, and issues with the intravenous line
  • The study was NOT designed to determine if MRI improved the survival rates from the cancers detected.

Some important points were raised in the accompanying editorial by Dr. Dan Longo*. He noted that with any screening test, the goal should be that early detection of the cancer results in a higher likelihood of cure but admitted that any screening test is associated with false positives, and many patients with an abnormal test will not have cancer. He also noted that an “imprecisely defined fraction of cancers that are detected by screening do not progress to cause symptomatic disease or to kill the patient” but that “our dilemma is that for most tumors we cannot tell the difference between cancers that can kill you and those that cannot.”

The study focused on patients with extremely dense breasts, which the authors estimate account for approximately 10% of patients undergoing mammograms. It is not clear if these findings would be similar in patients with level 3 breast density (heterogeneously dense), those undergoing tomosynthesis (3D) mammograms, or in patients who are undergoing mammograms every year. They did not stratify patients by risk assessment and it’s important to note that while dense breasts are a risk factor for breast cancer, not all women with dense breasts are considered “high risk”. US national guidelines currently recommend supplemental imaging with MRI in patients who have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20% or greater as calculated by a risk assessment model. Due to high recall and false positive rates associated with MRI as well as possible concerns related to the contrast material, we do not currently recommend MRI for all women, or even for all women with dense breasts.

As one of their concluding statements, the authors did note that the 10% recall rate “is a concern for potential implementation of supplemental screening” [with MRI]. This study adds to the body of literature regarding cancer detection in women with dense breasts, but Dr. Longo concluded in his editorial: “… will we be putting these women at increased risk of procedures without contributing to their eventual survival?” Going forward, it will be important to look at ways to decrease false positive results and costs of supplemental imaging, as well as evaluate whether or not outcomes are improved by additional testing.

*If you are not able to access the full study and would like a copy, please email me: contact at drattai dot com

6 March 2019

The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) held their annual meeting in Dallas last week. This meeting usually draws about 1500 breast surgeons (just under half the ASBrS membership) from around the world, for several days of pre-meeting courses, didactic sessions, and research presentations. In addition to the science, the meeting provides opportunities for breast surgeons in all types of practice settings and at all levels of training and practice to network and learn from each other. 

The following covers some highlights from the general session. 

The meeting started off with the Critical Issues in Breast Cancer Forum: Changing Paradigms for Breast Cancer Surgery. Dr. Cary Kaufman presented an update on current clinical trials for cryoablation for breast cancer. Cryoablation is a technique that freezes the tumor, using a small probe placed into the tumor (similar to a needle biopsy) under local anesthesia. There are several types of ablative therapy including laser, radiofrequency, high-frequency ultrasound, and cryoablation. Because cold is a natural anesthetic agent, patients undergoing cryoablation do not need any sedation, and the procedure is performed while they are awake. 

Cryoablation was initially tried with benign tumors (fibroadenomas). In many cases, the fibroadenoma reabsorbed, leaving no mass and only a tiny (3 millimeter) scar. Multiple studies have looked at the use of cryoablation for breast cancer, and most have restricted therapy to patients with small (1.5 cm or smaller) estrogen receptor positive, Her2/neu negative tumors. I participated in a national multi-center trial, the ACOSOG / ALLIANCE Z1072 trial, which was published in 2016 and demonstrated that cryoablation was successful in the majority of these patients. All patients in the ACOSOG / ALLIANCE Z1072 study underwent surgery within one month of the ablation, so that the tumor site could be removed and evaluated. Several subsequent studies have looked at cryoablation for breast cancer without surgery. The longest follow up was from Dr. Fukuma in Japan. After 12 years of follow up, he reported 3 local (in-breast) recurrences in 304 patients. Combining 3 published trials, Dr. Kaufman noted that local recurrence rates range from 0.98 – 1.4%, and he concluded that this is extremely promising technology. He also noted that cryoablation of breast cancer appears to have an immunologic benefit – when the tumor cell membranes are disrupted by the extreme cold, the patient is exposed to tumor antigens, which may prompt antibody formation. It is very premature to determine if this immunologic effect will help reduce recurrence rates.

Dr. William Small presented updates on 3 clinical trials of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). An advantage of IORT is that it is delivered at the time of lumpectomy, in the operating room, as a one-time treatment. A disadvantage is that status of the lumpectomy specimen margin and lymph nodes are not known at that time. If it is found on final pathology that there are positive margins, external beam radiation is recommended, and at least one trial noted that approximately 30% of patients who received IORT required additional whole breast radiation. Most studies of IORT have been limited to “low risk” lesions – small, low grade invasive cancers in older women. He discussed that a criticism of these studies is that some of these women may not have needed radiation therapy at all. Dr. Small noted that local recurrence rates are slightly higher (3.3 versus 1.3%) but that statistically, IORT is considered “non-inferior” to whole breast irradiation. He noted that seroma (fluid accumulation) is more common in patients who undergo IORT.  He concluded by stating that there is an “acceptable” toxicity, with non-inferior local recurrence. However, as there is relatively short follow up available in low risk patients, he questioned the applicability of this procedure to a broader patient population. A US registry is planned.

Dr. Antonio Toesca presented the results of his study of 100 patients who underwent robotic nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) and implant reconstruction, and showed a fascinating video which highlighted the precise and meticulous dissection, along with improved visualization, compared to a standard surgical procedure. The average incision size was a little over 1 inch, and the specimen was removed intact (in one piece). The procedure averaged 1 hour and 18 minutes longer than their standard for a nipple sparing mastectomy and implant reconstruction (3 hours, 36 minutes for the robotic procedure. Patients who underwent the robotic procedure were less likely to have axillary web syndrome and reported Improved physical, psychological and sexual well-being. 

Why could performance of NSM using robotic technology become important? Dr. Tina Hieken presented the results of her study (abstract 580759, page 31) showing that as experience with the procedure has grown, indications are expanding and patients who previously were not candidates for the procedure are now being considered. A NSM is a technically challenging procedure, and it takes a toll on the neck and back of a surgeon. A 2017 study published in JAMA Surgery noted a high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons and interventionists. Dr. Katherine Kopkash presented her research (abstract 51837, page 52) using intraoperative electromyography (EMG) on the surgeon to assess muscle strain during NSM. Of course, oncologic safety is the primary concern, and more study on the long-term outcomes (as well as costs) of robotic procedures is required. 

The next session was Emerging Strategies in Breast Cancer Care, which focused on “de-escalation” of surgical therapy. Dr. Anna Weiss provided an update of clinical trials evaluating active surveillance for low-risk ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS): COMET, LORD and LORIS. Approximately 60,000 cases of DCIS are diagnosed annually. Patients undergoing active surveillance do not have surgery, some are treated with endocrine therapy, and all undergo regular monitoring. This is a accepted option in select cases of prostate cancer, and Dr. Weiss noted that there is no difference in overall survival in patients with low-grade DCIS who do not undergo treatment. The LORD and LORIS trials are open in the UK and the COMET study is open in the US. (Additional perspective)

Dr. Henry Kuerer presented his research on the percutaneous management of breast cancer in the setting of a pathology complete response (pCR) following neoaduvant (before surgery) chemotherapy. He noted that for survival and recurrence matter most, but side effects and complications are significant concerns for both patients and physicians. I’ve recently covered details of his research on this blog

Some of the twitter conversation related to this talk included patients who noted that they would rather undergo surgery than chemotherapy. It is important to note that the patients involved in this study are those who were going to be treated with chemotherapy regardless of surgical therapy because they have triple negative or Her2/neu positive breast cancer. In these patients, systemic (whole-body) therapy is necessary due to the higher likelihood of metastatic disease. Surgical therapy in these patients, especially the “exceptional responders”, may not improve outcomes, but of course more study is needed. Surgery remains the standard of care for breast cancer therapy.

Dr. Judy Boughey discussed several cooperative group trials evaluating management of the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, and these studies are also focusing on how we can safely de-escalate axillary surgical therapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This is an area that is rapidly evolving with expansion of the criteria for a less aggressive approach to the axilla.

In a session on Evidence-Based Prevention and Management of Surgical Complications, Dr. Suzanne Klimberg presented on chronic post-mastectomy seroma. A seroma is a fluid collection – fluid normally accumulates after mastectomy which is why drainage tubes are left in place. Normally, drains can be removed after 7-14 days, but about 30% of patients will develop prolonged drainage. This is a frustrating problem for patients and physicians as the persistent fluid can be uncomfortable, may increase the risk of infection, and may delay the start of planned chemotherapy or radiation. She noted that a surgical technique to close the tissue known as “quilting” can reduce the rate of chronic seroma, but that it results in excessive skin dimpling and has a significant impact on the cosmetic results. She stated that additional drainage tubes, various “sealant” agents and compression (such as wearing an ace wrap) are not effective. The area may be sclerosed (scarred) by instilling talc or antibiotics, and in some cases, re-operation to remove the inflamed tissue is indicated. Otherwise she recommended patience and repeat aspirations. She noted that there are no ways to successfully prevent seromas from forming.

Dr. Amal Khoury presented on chronic post-mastectomy pain, and noted that persistent pain occurs in 25-60% of patients undergoing any type of breast surgery. It is thought that this chronic and at times severe pain is due to damage to and neuroma formation of the cutaneous (skin) branches of nerves that run along the 4thand 5thribs, which are roughly at the inframammary fold (bra line below the breast). These cutaneous nerve branches are often not visible at the time of surgery. She noted that the pain syndrome it is often not recognized, and when recognized it is often not treated effectively. She stated that injections with a combination of long-acting local anesthetic and steroid (in a very small dose) at the trigger points is more effective than taking pain or other medications, and in their study at UCSF, 91% of patients required only one injection for lasting relief.

The next session was Practical Considerations for Systemic Treatment. Dr. Judy Boughey reviewed the I-SPY2 clinical trials, which utilize an innovative “adaptive randomization” approach in patients who are undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for triple negative, Her2/neu positive, or other high risk breast cancers. pCR rates are assessed, and drugs that are successful move up higher in the randomization algorithm. This study and its flexible randomization protocol have accelerated the use of some novel agents. Patient reported outcomes assessing quality of life, fear of recurrence, symptoms and side effects are being assessed. If drug response rates are similar, the “winner” may be the one associated with fewer side effects. Dr. Barry Rosen discussed specific strategies to identify the previously involved axillary lymph nodes when chemotherapy is performed prior to surgery. Dr. Elizabeth Mittendorf presented on breast cancer immunotherapy and surgical implications of these treatments. She noted that one agent, atezolizumab, is currently approved for use in patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer. She noted that there are concerns about wound healing complications with these agents but unfortunately the clinical trials did not specifically assess for this. In addition, she noted that some immunotherapy agents are associated with development of adrenal insufficiency – this complication has only been reported in a small percentage of patients, but it is an important consideration in any patient who is going to have surgery.

A session was held on breast imaging. Dr. Molly Sebastian presented on the impact of breast density on breast cancer risk, noting that it is more difficult to screen patients with dense breasts, and that these patients are also at increased risk for developing breast cancer. The associated breast cancer risk increases with the level of density. Approximately 50% of women in US are considered to have dense breast by mammogram, and she cited a 2010 study that found that 30% of breast cancers could be linked to highly dense breast tissue. Contributors to increased density include younger age, use of hormone replacement therapy, race (Asian), diet (Western), alcohol use, and hereditary factors. She did stress that the presence of a germline genetic mutation (such as BRCA 1/2) conveys a much higher level of risk (regardless of density) than breast density itself. 

Dr. Brigid Killelea discussed balancing high-risk screening (which usually includes MRI) with the concerns about gadolinium toxicity. Gadolinium is a “rare earth heavy metal”, and is used in the contrast material that is administered (using an intravenous line) when breast MRI is performed. Acute allergic reactions are uncommon but as gadolinium is excreted through the kidneys, there are concerns about the potential for kidney damage especially in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is an unusual condition that results in progressive deposition of gadolinium in the skin. It has also been found that the number of exposures to the linear form of gadolinium (as opposed to macrocyclic, which is what is most commonly used with breast MRI) correlates with increasing deposits in the brain. More research is needed to determine if this leads to an increased risk of Parkinson’s or other diseases. Studies evaluating “fast” MRI protocols are ongoing but they still use gadolinium contrast. Some work is being done with non-contrast MRI and Dr. Killelea noted that it shows some promise in detecting certain lesions. 

In the session on Ethical Issues in Breast Cancer Surgery, Dr. Rachel Greenup discussed how to manage the situation when the principles of respect for patient autonomy conflict with the standard of care. She noted that patient autonomy allows for us (as physicians) to educate but not to decide care for patients, and that poor physician-patient communication is a key factor in patients opting for non-standard care. Factors associated with patients declining standard therapy include a negative first experience, an uncaring / insensitive / unnecessarily harsh oncologist, fear of side effects, and belief in the efficacy of alternative therapy.  In regards to endocrine therapy for breast cancer, she noted that unmanaged side effects are a significant contributor to stopping therapy. She also presented data showing poorer outcomes in patients who declined standard therapy, and that many, when faced with disease progression, did then opt for conventional treatment. She recommended that physicians review and present evidence to their patients in an understandable way, taking time to acknowledge fears and address patient barriers to treatment, provide time to adjust to diagnosis, suggest a 2ndopinion, and avoid abandonment or fear tactics. She also suggested that physicians be more open (when medically safe) to the combination of alternative and standard therapy. She stressed that patient autonomy is the priority, and that open communication can help align patient-centered care with evidence-based care. 

Dr. Terry Sarantou discussed the ethical issues of obtaining informed consent when performing a new surgical procedure, noting that there is FDA oversight for new drugs and surgical devices, but not for surgical procedures. He stressed that informed consent is a communication process, not a form to be signed. 

Recognizing the role that surgeons play in the current opioid crisis, Dr. Sarah DeSnyder discussed proper prescribing of narcotics in breast surgery. There was also an abstract presentation by Dr. Betty Fan (abstract 5808940, page 27) on this subject. She noted that women who expected postoperative pain or those who reported higher preoperative distress used more postoperative opioids for pain management. She stressed that physician and trainee education about proper prescribing is critical as is setting patient expectations for postoperative pain and providing non-narcotic options. The use of nerve blocks, long-acting local anesthetic agents, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen were also discussed. 

Photographs are an important part of breast and reconstructive surgery to document results both for patient and physician education as well as for quality assurance, and Dr. Toan Nguyen reviewed some of the ethical, legal and technical considerations to protect patient confidentiality and privacy. The ASBrS statement on this issue has been published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology.

In the session covering New Perspectives on Old Problems, Dr. Lee Wilke noted that with improved surgical techniques, breast conservation is now appropriate for select patients with more than one tumor in the breast. She did note that in up to 20-30% of patients with more than one tumor in the breast, the tumors are different subtypes, which may have implications for therapy – so pathologic analysis needs to be performed on all lesions. Dr. Stephen Grobmyer reviewed the current literature on local (in-breast) recurrence, noting that repeat breast conservation may be appropriate in some patients. However, if repeat radiation is performed, there is a higher risk of skin toxicity and potentially unacceptable cosmetic results. In addition, for left-sided breast cancers, repeat radiation raises concerns about cumulative radiation damage to the heart. Repeat lumpectomy without radiation is associated with a 20-40% risk of local recurrence. IORT may be utilized in some patients, but studies are ongoing and data is limited.

Dr. David Euhus discussed that genetic testing does not only potentially impact the surgical procedure that is recommended, but may influence the decision for radiation therapy as well as systemic therapy. In addition, results of genetic testing may impact surveillance for additional breast or other cancers in the patient as well as recommendations for family members. The ASBrS recently updated their genetic testing guideline, recommending that genetic testing be considered for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. (Additional perspective)

In the session on Benign Breast Disease, Dr. Jane Mendez reviewed breast fistulas (persistent drainage through the skin) and infections, and Dr. Vincent Reid reviewed some of the non-malignant masses that can develop in the male breast. Dr. Katrina Mitchell, who is a breast surgeon as well as a certified lactation consultant, provided recommendations for management of post-partum patients who develop mastitis or breast abscess. One of the key recommendations was that patients should continue breast feeding (better than pumping for keeping the breast empty) and that patients do not need to “pump and dump” the milk while on antibiotics. 

Dr. Stephanie Valente discussed breast pain, which is a common problem that frustrates both patients and physicians. Pain is a symptom of breast cancer in less than 2% of cases.  Suggestions for treatment include decrease caffeine, nicotine, and dietary fat intake, and consider supplementation with essential fatty acids such as evening primrose oil (EPO) or vitamin E. However, she noted that that some studies show that EPO and vitamin E are no better than placebo. Both flaxseed and chasteberry have shown to be effective. Diclofenac (a non-narcotic pain medication) gel can be effective but it needs to be used for several weeks before improvement is seen and it is expensive. In severe cases, danazol (an androgen hormone) or tamoxifen can be used but are associated with significant side effects.

There were several sessions on oncoplastic surgery. Oncoplastics refers to combining oncologic (cancer) surgery with attention to cosmetic outcomes. Basic principles include placing the incision in the least conspicuous place and closure of as much of the breast tissue once the tumor has been removed as possible to minimize, or preferably avoid, a depression in the area. More advanced techniques include rotation flaps and mastopexy (lift) that may be performed by breast surgeons or breast surgeons collaborating with their plastic surgical colleagues. There was also a session discussing some of the advanced microvascular procedures that are being studied to treat lymphedema as well as a video session showing some basic techniques to perform a better (flat) closure for patients undergoing mastectomy without reconstruction. 

The keynote address was delivered by the actress Kathy Bates. Ms. Bates underwent a bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer and has bilateral arm lymphedema. She is a spokeswoman for the Lymphatic Education and Research Network, working to educate, support, and advocate for patients who have lymphedema. She delivered a moving and unique address to the group, combining science and her personal patient perspective. An abstract (abstract 581304, page 22) presented during the meeting demonstrated that postoperative surveillance with bioimpedence spectroscopy compared to tape measure resulted in a 10% decrease in the number of patients requiring complex decongestive physiotherapy. However, these results, which were a planned interim data analysis, did not reach statistical significance.

The new ASBrS screening mammography guidelines were released at the meeting. They recommend formal risk assessment starting at age 25 and a risk-based approach to screening, as well as annual mammography starting at age 40 for average-risk women. (Additional commentary)

All of the research abstracts and posters can be found here. There were many interesting and thought-providing presentations, but it is important to remember that abstracts represent incomplete data and have not been subject to the peer-review process. The oral abstracts that were presented will be published in manuscript form later this year. The poster gallery can be found here (not all posters have been uploaded by the presenters).

As usual if anyone is interested in one of the articles referenced but does not have access, or wants additional information, please send your email address to me: contact at drattai dot com and I will be happy to respond.

This post has not been endorsed by the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

3 May 2019

The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) has updated their screening mammography guideline, recommending that women of average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. This update brings the ASBrS guideline more in line with those of the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, and are a departure from their previous guideline, which called for screening to start at age 45. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening from age 45-54, followed by biennial screening with the opportunity for annual screening. The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends biennial screening starting at age 50.

The updated ASBrS guidelines recommend as a first step that all women undergo a formal risk assessment starting at age 25. Risk assessment involves using any one of a number of models to estimate 5-year and lifetime risk of breast cancer development. These models take into account age, family history, menstrual and pregnancy history as well as history of prior biopsy and racial / ethnic background. Some models take into account body mass index and breast density. The ASBrS guideline has additional recommendations, outlined below, depending on risk level. The recommendations listed for women at high risk of breast cancer are consistent with those of the American Cancer Society and National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

When to start and how often to perform screening mammography has been the subject of much debate over the years. The primary issue is the number of lives saved balanced against the harms of screening mammography. Harms include false negatives (cancer is not detected by the mammogram), false positives (suspicious areas that turn out to be benign) and recommendations for additional imaging (added cost and concerns about the potential effects of cumulative radiation). There have also been concerns raised about over-diagnosis and over-treatment: finding cancers that would never pose a threat to a woman’s health or life – but the patient is exposed to the potential harms of cancer therapy.

The goal of screening is not to detect all cancers – otherwise we would recommend complete body imaging for everyone. The goal of screening is to improve the survival from the cancers that are detected. An ideal screening test is relatively inexpensive and performs equally well in the patient population undergoing the screening. Mammography is acknowledged to be an imperfect screening tool – while relatively inexpensive and safe, it simply does not perform the same in women with breasts of different ages and densities. Approximately 1000 women need to be screened to detect 2 – 7 breast cancers, and mammography performs best in women age 50-74. In younger women, a few cancers will be detected, and there may be a survival benefit. However, because breast cancer is less common in younger women, a larger number of women need to be screened to find a single cancer, increasing the likelihood of a harm. The benefits of screening do not always outweigh the risks – at least for an individual patient.

It is also important to note that some of the new ASBrS recommendations, such as 3D mammography as the preferred type of mammogram, supplemental ultrasound in women with dense breasts, and MRI for all women with a history of breast cancer, are still undergoing investigation and are not always covered by insurance. We know that these studies will find additional cancers, but we do not yet have data on improved outcomes. My patients know that I am fond of saying “the more we look, the more we find, but not everything we find needs to be found.”

Two ongoing studies will hopefully provide additional information regarding 3D mammography and screening interval:

  • The TMIST trial is a national multi-center study assessing the performance of 3D compared to 2D digital mammography. This study will assess rates of cancer detection, callbacks and benign biopsies as well as biology of the tumors detected and outcomes.
  • The WISDOM study is evaluating a risk-based screening approach. After a comprehensive risk assessment, genetic testing, and assessment of risk tolerance, patients are assigned annual versus biennial screening. Women can self-enroll in this study (disclosure – I am not involved with the study team but I am enrolled in the study as a participant) and do not have to change mammography facility.

Until we are at a point when an individual woman’s level of risk can be accurately predicted, there is no definitive “best” screening guideline to follow. Recognizing the potential harms of screening mammography, it is no longer appropriate for physicians to simply hand out an order for an annual screening mammogram for all women starting at age 40. A balanced discussion, taking into account an individual woman’s risk and level of risk tolerance as well as the absolute potential benefits and harms of mammography is indicated. These discussions are nuanced and take time. Various genomic assays are being evaluated and it is hopeful that we will at some point have a test that can accurately predict a woman’s risk of breast cancer – which can then be used to provide more tailored guidance regarding imaging. Until that time (and I hate to end this way…), talk to your physician and medical team about what screening option is right for you.

1 April 2019

A study recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine casts doubts on the commonly held belief that addition of screening ultrasound to screening mammography improves the rate of breast cancer detection. 

It is well known that mammograms do not pick up all breast cancers. In the approximately 40% of women who undergo screening mammography who have dense breasts, mammograms may miss up to 40-50% of breast cancers. Several previously published studies have noted that supplementing mammography with screening ultrasound can detect an additional 2-5 breast cancers per 1000 scans. There is no data on whether or not the outcomes (such as survival) of these patients are improved.

The recently published study used two Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium registries. These registries collected prospective data on screening mammography with or without same-day breast ultrasound. The data collection period was from January 2000 – December 2013. Approximately 6000 screening mammography + same-day screening ultrasounds (SM + US) in 3386 women were matched to 30,000 screening mammograms (SM) without same-day screening ultrasounds in 15,000 women. Women from the 2 registries were matched by age, year of exam, race / ethnicity, menopausal status, first degree relative with breast cancer, time since last mammogram, breast density, and prior history of a benign biopsy.

Not surprisingly, the authors found that SM + US was more often performed in women with dense breasts, in those under the age of 50, and in patients with a family history of breast cancer. Approximately 54% of the patients who underwent SM + US were considered to be “low” or “average” risk for breast cancer based on risk assessment calculations.

The breast cancer detection rate in both groups (SM + US and SM alone) was essentially identical – 5.4 vs 5.5 breast cancers detected per 1000 screening exams. Most of the breast cancers detected were invasive ductal, less than 2cm, lymph node negative, and estrogen / progesterone receptor positive.

SM + US resulted in higher false positive biopsy rates (52 versus 22 per 1000 screens) and more often a recommendation for additional, short-term follow up for “probably benign” findings (3.9% vs 1.1%) compared with SM alone.

The authors noted some limitations of their study include lack of information on the experience and expertise of the ultrasonographers, lack of information on whether or not patients underwent hand-held or automated breast ultrasound, and the possibility of misclassification of some studies, which they estimated at 4.3%.

They recommended that additional studies should be performed to more accurately identify which women will benefit from supplemental screening ultrasound. It is important to note that this is a single study, with findings contradictory to other studies, so I am not recommending that we abandon screening ultrasound based on these results. As with all other aspects of breast cancer screening, there is no “one size fits all” approach for the individual patient.

30 March 2019

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a statement announcing amendments to the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). The “lay person letter” that patients receive with information about their mammogram results, and aspects of mammography facility quality measures, are part of the MQSA. 

As noted in the FDA statement, proposed changes to current regulations include:

  • Requirements for uniform breast density reporting
  • Comments in the lay person letter that additional imaging may be recommended if a woman has dense breasts
  • A process to update and modernize mammography quality standards
  • Improvements in the ability of the FDA to enforce violations of standards
  • Strengthen mammogram facility record-keeping requirements to minimize loss of information

The change that most patients will notice is the requirement for breast density reporting. 

Approximately 40% of patients undergoing mammograms have dense breasts, a subjective measure of the proportion of glandular tissue (which tends to appear white, or “dense” on mammogram) versus fatty tissue (which appears darker) on mammogram. Mammograms are less sensitive in patients with dense breasts since cancers generally appear as a white lump on a mammogram, and are harder to visualize against a white dense background. In addition, patients with dense breasts appear to have a high risk of developing breast cancer – although the age at which this becomes significant is not apparent. Younger women naturally have dense breast tissue, and density tends to decrease with age, especially after menopause. Women who take estrogen hormone therapy often maintain breast density even after menopause. Genetic and individual factors also play a role – some women have dense breasts well into their 70-80s even if they are not taking hormone replacement therapy.

36 states in the US currently have breast density reporting laws, in part due to the work of Dr. Nancy Cappello. Diagnosed with advanced breast cancer after years of normal mammograms, she was informed that her prior mammograms could not identify the cancer due to “dense breasts”. Through the advocacy group that she started, Are You Dense?, she sought to change breast density reporting state-by-state. The proposed changes to the MQSA will require that all women are informed of their breast density.

While mammograms are less sensitive in women with dense breasts, they still remain an important tool for cancer detection. Calcifications and subtle areas of distortion, which can be early signs of breast cancer, may not be visualized on other imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI. Tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, is a form of mammography that can improve the rate of breast cancer detection and can also reduce the rate of “false alarms” or callback examinations. One recent study noted that it can identify between 2 – 5 additional cancers per 1000 exams compared to the more common 2D digital mammography. 3D mammography is not always covered by insurance.

Ultrasound and MRI are sometimes used as supplemental screening in patients with dense breasts, although practices (and insurance coverage) varies. One of the challenges is that the harder we look, the more we find – and not everything needs to be found. False positive findings (false alarms) may result in unnecessary biopsies or increased imaging for a period of time to confirm that the finding is not cancer. MRI (as currently performed) requires the use of the intravenous contrast material gadolinium, which in one form (not the form most commonly used for breast MRI) has been linked to deposits in the brain and kidneys. MRI is most commonly recommended as supplemental screening for women considered to be in a high-risk category.

The proposed FDA changes to MQSA are a welcome update. There is a lot of work to be done towards the goal of personalized breast cancer screening based on risk. However, standardization of the notification process and increased oversight of mammography facilities are important steps.

Additional Information: NBC / Today Show – FDA Wants Women to Know About Breast Density

11 March 2019

A study recently published in JAMA Oncology adds to the growing body of literature noting the advantages of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), also known as 3D mammography, compared to the more widely available digital (2D) mammography (DM).

While mammography is still considered the “gold standard” for breast cancer screening, there are some limitations. Approximately 40% of women have dense breasts by mammography, and cancers are not seen as easily in these patients. In addition, overlapping areas of glandular tissue can masquerade as concerning findings on screening mammograms, so some women are “called back” for additional views. The additional diagnostic studies attempt to determine if the abnormality is indeed a lump, or if it is simply lumpy tissue or other benign findings.

In the current study, Dr. Conant and colleagues performed an analysis of patients within the PROSPR (Population-based Research Optimization Screening through Personalized Regimens) consortium. They included women age 45-74, without a known history of breast cancer, who underwent screening mammography at 3 research centers using DM and DBT between 2011 – 2014. The researchers evaluated recall / callback rates and in women who had at least one year follow up, they assessed biopsy and cancer detection rates. There were 101,000 patients in the DM group and 24,900 patients in the DBT group.

The researchers found that across all age groups the recall rate was lower and the cancer detection rate was higher in the DBT group. This was true even in the women age 40-49, whether they had dense or non-dense breasts. In this group of younger women, the detection rate with DBT was 1.7 per 1000 examinations higher compared with DM in the setting of non-dense breast, and 2.27 / 1000 higher in dense breasts. They also noted that DBT was associated with a higher likelihood of detecting smaller cancers with negative lymph nodes.

Some limitations of the study include: incomplete data on risk assessment, non-randomized sample resulting in slight differences in risk profile, and relatively small number of cancers detected. However, in an accompanying commentary, Drs. Bahl and Lehman suggested that as DBT did find more cancers in younger women, guidelines for routine breast screening with DBT for women age 40-49 (some guidelines recommend starting at age 50) should be reconsidered. 

Screening mammography in younger women does detect (some) breast cancers, and this and other studies show that a few more will be detected with DBT versus DM. The intense debate around screening mammography in women younger than 50 revolves around the smaller number of cancers in women in this age group (compared to over 50) and conflicting survival data – early detection does not always result in improved outcomes. The goal of any screening test is to improve survival, and Drs. Bahl and Lehman noted that none of the current DBT literature addresses clinical outcomes –  rather, it focuses on metrics such as cancer detection and recall rates. They noted that at this point in time, large trials assessing survival benefit from screening mammography may not be practical. 

Drs. Bahl and Lehman note that more studies are needed, and they comment on the TMIST trial – this is a large ongoing multicenter trial evaluating DBT and DM in women age 45-74. The TMIST study will evaluate cancer detection and recall rates, and will compare the number of advanced cancers in each group. Drs. Bahl and Lehman also noted that more research is needed to determine whether there is an added benefit of utilizing supplemental screening ultrasound in women with dense breasts who undergo screening with DBT versus DM.

There are a few additional points regarding DBT to be aware of. DBT is associated with a slightly higher radiation dose compared to DM. This type of mammogram does still involve breast compression, although many women note it is not as tight as standard mammography. In addition, DBT is not always covered by insurance, and facilities vary tremendously in their charges – some do not charge at all if insurance does not cover (only billing for the standard DM), and I’ve seen charges up to $150 or more. In addition, the harder we look, the more we find, and DBT does pick up some findings that result in biopsy and even surgery that turn out to be benign. However, it seems that as radiologists in a particular facility become more comfortable with DBT the false positive (“false alarm”) rates decrease.

The TMIST study will hopefully provide more guidance for patients and their physicians. In the meantime, if DBT is available in your area and you have dense breasts, it is reasonable to discuss this newer technology with your physician to see if it is right for you.

10 May 2018

The American Society of Breast Surgeons held their Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL from May 2nd – 6th. As usual, it was well attended – the meeting is known for being very practical and full of information that breast surgeons can bring back to their practices to help improve patient care.

I’ve picked a few topics to highlight in this post: Genetics, Imaging, Local Therapy, Systemic Therapy, Immunotherapy, Liquid Biopsy, Diet and Hormone Therapy, and Changing Paradigms. The following are comments expressed by the meeting speakers. My own comments will be noted in bold italics.

Genetics:

  • BRCA 1 mutation carriers are more likely to have triple negative breast cancer.
  • BRCA 2 mutation carriers are more likely to have ER positive, Her2/neu negative breast cancers.
  • The risk of a 2nd breast cancer in BRCA mutation carriers on average is about 2% per year depending on the specific mutation and the age of affected relatives. It can approach 60-80% in some patients. This increased risk of a new breast cancer is why bilateral mastectomy is often recommended. Removal of the opposite breast may result in improved overall survival but results from studies are mixed.
  • For BRCA mutation carriers, it is recommended that clinical breast exam (breast exam by the physician) be performed every 6-12 months. From age 25-29 annual MRI is recommended, and from age 30-75 annual mammogram (3D mammogram or tomosynthesis was recommended) along with MRI was recommended. It was stated that this screening regimen has not been shown to improve survival, but the screen-detected cancers were less likely to have lymph node involvement. No specific recommendation was made for imaging or exam after bilateral mastectomy.
  • MRI every 6 months has been suggested by some, but there are concerns about gadolinium (a heavy metal material which is the contrast agent used for breast MRI) buildup.
  • Removal of the ovaries is recommended around age 40.
  • In patients with BRCA mutations who undergo salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes), estrogen replacement therapy has not been shown to increase subsequent breast cancer risk. However, combined estrogen / progesterone therapy may increase subsequent breast cancer risk. It was suggested to consider removing the uterus at the time of ovary removal, so that estrogen alone could be used (if the uterus is not removed, estrogen alone could increase the risk of uterine cancer).
  • There are many other genetic mutations that have been identified that have a variable association with increased breast cancer risk. It was stressed that family history and other factors need to be considered when these less common mutations (such as CHEK2, ATM, PALB2 and many more) are present, before recommending mastectomy.
  • It was stressed that the presence of a variant of unknown significance (VUS) should NOT prompt aggressive surgery.
  • A study was presented that demonstrated that current breast cancer genetic testing guidelines exclude almost half of high-risk patients, and a recommendation was made for testing of all breast cancer patients regardless of age, family history or other factors.

Breast Imaging:

  • Dense breast (as determined by mammogram) reduces the sensitivity of mammograms, and also is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
  • It was stressed that determination of breast density is subjective and studies have shown significant variability in grading of breast density. Automated methods of assessing density are being evaluated.
  • 34 states have dense breast notification legislation. Some have supplemental screening (such as ultrasound) legislation (California does not).
  • An advantage of tomosynthesis (also known as 3D mammogram) in patients with dense breasts is that it decreases the likelihood of callbacks and improves the cancer detection rate
  • Abbreviated (3 minute scan) MRI shows promise for screening.
  • There is an ECOG/ACRIN study planned which will evaluate abbreviated MRI versus tomosynthesis in women with dense breasts.
  • Contrast-enhanced mammography is superior to digital mammography but it requires an IV contrast dye, and there is currently no ability to biopsy lesions seen only with this technique.
  • It was stressed that automated whole breast ultrasound (ABUS) should not replace mammography.
  • Molecular breast imaging has a much higher radiation dose due to the need to inject a radioactive material and cost is higher than other imaging modalities. There are only about 100 units in the US.
  • In addition to BRCA mutation carriers, patients who have a history of chest wall radiation at a young age (most commonly for treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma) or those who have a lifetime risk of breast cancer over 20% (assessed by various computer modes) should have annual MRI in addition to mammograms for surveillance.

Loco-Regional (breast and underarm lymph nodes) Therapy:

  • Recurrence of cancer in the breast (known as a local recurrence) was previously thought to be related to “disease burden” – the amount of tumor and size of clear margins. According to Dr. Monica Morrow, this has led to an “obsession” with margins, wider surgical resection than necessary, and the overuse of MRI.
  • Due to improvements in systemic therapy (chemotherapy and endocrine therapy), local recurrences have decreased over time.
  • Local recurrences are largely a function of tumor biology – more aggressive tumor types are more likely to recur. Bigger surgery does not overcome bad biology.
  • The rates of contralateral (opposite side) new breast cancer have been decreasing in the US; currently <1% at 5 years for patients who do not have a genetic mutation.
  • Updated 2018 ASTRO guidelines endorse hypofractionation (a shorter course of radiation therapy) in a larger group of patients.
  • There are 3 trials that will evaluate whether or not radiation therapy can be avoided in selected patients – LUMINA, IDEA and PRECISION.
  • ~30% of patients undergoing “direct to implant” reconstruction (no temporary tissue expander) need a second surgery. One of the plastic surgeons that I work with notes that “reconstruction is a process not a procedure!”
  • Managing expectations of the reconstruction process is important so patients don’t get frustrated and feel like their reconstruction has “failed.”
  • Post mastectomy radiation worsens outcome from implant reconstruction; severe capsular contracture occurs in about 30% of patients.
  • If radiation is performed on the permanent implant instead of the tissue expander, the rate of reconstruction failure goes down by 50%.
  • Many plastic surgeons prefer that autologous (patient’s own body) reconstruction be performed after radiation to avoid shrinkage of the flap. A tissue expander could be placed at the time of mastectomy which will be removed after radiation when the flap procedure is performed.
  • Lymphedema risk is about 25% with axillary node dissection versus 6-8% with sentinel node biopsy. In certain patients over age 70 with ER+ breast cancer, sentinel node biopsy can be avoided – this was also covered in the Society of Surgical Oncology’s Choosing Wisely statements. However, it is also important to take into account whether or not the patient will be treated with radiation and/or endocrine therapy. Sentinel node biopsy is also not recommended for most patients undergoing lumpectomy for DCIS. The SOUND trial is evaluating the use of axillary ultrasound to try to determine if this can help select patients who do not need sentinel node biopsy.

 Systemic Therapy:

  • The use of genomic tumor testing could avoid the use of ineffective (for the specific patient depending on tumor profile) chemotherapy in up to 50,000 patients per year.
  • Neoadjuvant (before surgery) chemotherapy is most commonly used to decrease tumor size so that patients have a higher likelihood of being able to undergo lumpectomy instead of mastectomy.
  • About 50% of patients who have positive lymph nodes before chemotherapy are converted to node-negative due to chemotherapy prior to surgery, and they may be able to avoid full axillary node dissection.
  • Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy varies by tumor subtype. Her2/neu and triple negative breast cancers are more likely to respond compared to ER+ and Her2/neu negative tumors.
  • Technical considerations to improve the accuracy of sentinel node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy including the use of 2 dye agents to map the nodes and removal of at least 3 lymph nodes.
  • A multidisciplinary approach for management of patients who are being considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy was stressed.
  • Recurrence patterns are different for ER+ versus ER- disease. Patients with ER+ breast cancer are at risk for late recurrence, even 20 years after treatment – the highest risk is in patients with multiple involved lymph nodes. Patients with ER- disease tend to recur earlier (within the first 2-5 years), and then the likelihood of recurrence decreases.
  • Recurrence in the breast is a marker of increased risk for development of metastatic disease.
  • Premenopausal patients who have “low risk” disease could consider stopping tamoxifen after 5 years. It is recommended that patients with “high risk” disease consider 10 years of tamoxifen therapy.
  • Postmenopausal patients who are considered “high risk” could consider 10 years of an aromatase inhibitor, although there is not currently data that shows this approach improves survival. Prolonged therapy in these patients does reduce the likelihood of developing a new breast cancer and reduces the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence.

Immunotherapy / Liquid Biopsy:

  • A brief session was held covering immunotherapy and liquid biopsy.
  • Immunotherapy for breast cancer has not had the success seen in melanoma, lung cancer, colon cancer and bladder cancer.
  • The combination of chemotherapy and a modified herpes virus has shown some promise in patients with triple negative breast cancer.
  • It is likely that immunotherapy treatments will vary depending on tumor subtype.
  • Circulating tumor DNA may predict metastatic disease 8-12 months before evidence of tumor spread – but we are not yet able to improve patient outcomes based on this information. Therefore, circulating tumor cell and circulating cancer cell DNA assessments are not recommended for routine clinical use.
  • It was predicted that “liquid biopsy” will eventually be used routinely to help manage breast cancer patients.

 

Diet and Hormone Replacement Therapy:

  • A low fat diet improved the likelihood of death from breast cancer only in obese women.
  • Currently there is more information regarding the impact of dietary fat versus dietary sugar on breast cancer risk. Dr. Rowan Chlebowski, who has been a lead author on the Women’s Health Initiative studies, stated that due to an increasing number of reports suggesting that sugar may impact breast cancer development, they plan to look more closely at this.
  • Insulin resistance is associated with cancer specific and all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women.
  • One of Dr. Chlebowski’s conclusions was to “avoid body fatness.” Unfortunately, specific guidance on how to best accomplish this was not discussed!
  • The risk of breast cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is greater if it is started around the time of menopause versus 3-5 years later.
  • Breast cancer risk in women taking HRT is higher in women with extremely dense breast versus fatty replaced breasts. The biggest risk from HRT is in lean women with extremely dense breasts. The lowest risk from HRT is in women with a body mass index (BMI) > 35 with fatty replaced breasts.
  • Combination estrogen / progesterone HRT should be avoided in lean (BMI <25) women especially if they have dense breast tissue.
  • The Black Women’s Health Study found no increased breast cancer risk if HRT use was <10 years, but cancer risk was increased if use was >10 years. Other studies showed either no risk or no association of risk from HRT with race.

 

Changing Paradigms – Avoiding Surgery for DCIS and Neoadjuvant Patients

  • Active surveillance is being evaluated for ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). Over 60,000 cases of DCIS are diagnosed per year in the US. Not all cases of DCIS will progress to invasive cancer, and the likelihood of progression is lowest in low grade DCIS. In these patients, less than 10% develop invasive cancer in the same breast after 10 years and over 20% die from other causes within 10 years of diagnosis.
  • There are 3 ongoing clinical trials are evaluating active surveillance for low risk DCIS (LORIS, LORD, and COMET). The COMET trial is the only study open in the US. DCISOptions.org has additional information about DCIS and the COMET trial.
  • Some patients who undergo chemotherapy prior to surgery are found to have no residual tumor after the area has been removed, termed pathologic complete response (pCR).
  • Prompted by patients asking “why do I need surgery?” if it appears that all cancer has resolved after chemotherapy, researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center are evaluating whether surgery can be omitted in patients who appear to have a pCR after chemotherapy. Patients who have no apparent tumor based on post-chemotherapy imaging (including MRI) undergo core needle biopsies. If these biopsies show no tumor, patients taking part in the study will undergo radiation without surgery.
  • Similar studies are taking place in the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK.
  • Henry Kuerer from MD Anderson stated that “surgeons have an obligation to study possibility of no surgery – and we must ensure safety and efficacy with well-designed trials.
  • Several types of ablative therapy (destroying the tumor without surgery) are being evaluated including cryoablation (freezing), laser, and transcutaneous (no needle puncture or scar) high frequency ultrasound.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Ernie Bodai, the breast surgeon who spearheaded the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, was honored with a lifetime achievement award. It was fascinating to hear his story and how one man (with a little help) got congress to change a law.

This post has not been endorsed by the American Society of Breast Surgeons

27 September 2017

3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, is becoming more widely available. The thin “slices” (images) make it easier to spot cancers in patients with dense breast tissue. In addition, the use of 3D mammography can decrease the rate of “callbacks” – additional images that are often recommended after a screening mammogram due to uncertainty about the findings. Callbacks are more common in women with dense breast tissue. One concern about tomosynthesis is that it might find too much – not everything that is found will be dangerous, and this can result in over diagnosis and over treatment. In addition, a slightly higher dose of radiation exposure is required with 3D imaging in some facilities.

In 2005, the DMIST trial results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine – this study compared the older film screen mammography to digital mammography and found that digital mammograms were more accurate for women under the age of 50, women with dense breast tissue, and those who were pre- or peri-menopausal. Digital mammograms are now standard across most of the country.

The TMIST (Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial) trial will compare 3D mammography 2D digital mammography. Rates of cancer detection, callbacks, and procedures (such as biopsies) will be monitored. In addition to evaluating the performance of the imaging technology, the study will attempt to identify biological factors associated with breast cancer risk – patients who participate in the study will be asked to provide a buccal (cheek) swab and blood sample.

The study plans to enroll approximately 165,000 women at approximately 100 centers across the country. Additional information about the study and participating centers is available at the following sites:

National Cancer Institute
ECOG-ACRIN (cooperative group sponsoring the trial)
ClinicalTrials.gov

 

23 August 2016

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine evaluated screening mammography taking into account breast density and breast cancer risk. For women age 50-74, the conclusion of the authors was that for women of average risk with low breast density (fatty or scattered fibroglandular), triennial (every 3 year) mammography screening averted the same number of breast cancer deaths as annual or biennial screening. Women screened every 3 years also had lower rates of biopsy procedures. For women at high risk with high breast density (heterogeneously or extremely dense), annual screening was better. High risk / high density patients accounted for approximately 1% of the study population.

The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute. The authors used simulation modeling which included national breast cancer incidence, breast density, and screening performance data. They did not include patients with genetic abnormalities such as BRCA 1/2 mutations. They also did not take into account the impact of MRI or tomosynthesis / 3D mammography.

Risk assessment involves a calculation (using various models) which takes into account a woman’s age, body mass index, menstrual and reproductive history, family history, prior biopsies, and other factors known to influence the risk of breast cancer development. In the current study, the authors used a risk calculator that takes into account breast density. Breast density is a factor associated with breast cancer, although studies vary regarding the impact of density on risk. Adding to the confusion, breast density rating is subjective – different radiologists may assign different density scores to the same patient. The model used in the current study also takes into account factors such as improved detection using digital mammography, improved treatment effectiveness, and the usual decrease in breast density that is seen with increasing age. It is unclear at this time which is the “best” risk assessment model to use – all have limitations, some significantly over-estimate risk, and none are a “crystal ball”.

So what should women do? The ideal screening test is one that is inexpensive, readily available and safe. It should also find cancers early enough to make a difference. Mammograms are an imperfect tool but they perform reasonably well in a wide variety of settings. The ideal screening program is to tailor the technology and screening frequency to the patient’s risk – one size never fits all. Women should be aware of their family history and risk factors, ask about their breast density, and then discuss these factors as well as their personal preferences regarding breast cancer screening with their physicians. True individualized and personalized risk-based screening is not yet a reality, but by making recommendations based on risk, we are taking steps in the right direction.

26 April 2016

A growing number of states have enacted so-called “dense breast” legislation – requirements that radiology facilities inform patients if they have dense breast tissue, which may limit the sensitivity of mammography.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association evaluated the dense breast legislation for 23 states who have these requirements. They evaluated the content, readability, and understandability of the dense breast notification. The authors found that the readability of these notices was at the high school level or above, and many notices had poor understandability. Also concerning was the fact that many notifications lacked concordance with the states’ average literacy.

Unless women (and their physicians) can make sense of the notifications, they are worthless. Research studies generally recommend that informed consents and study descriptions be presented to patients at a 6th-8th grade reading level, but these standards do not exist for other patient information.

It is important for patients to ask if there is anything about their medical test results or instructions that they do not understand.