New technologies target early breast cancer detection
Conventional mammography is still the only proven method of early breast cancer detection, according to Harriet Borofsky, M.D., Mills-Peninsula's director of mammography.
Yet, several new technologies are currently aimed at assisting in the difficult task of finding early tumors in breast tissue, she said.
"Unlike x-rays made of other body parts, there is no 'normal' mammogram," Dr. Borofsky said. "Breast tissue varies so greatly from woman to woman that we have a huge variation of what is considered normal."
New digital technology that allows X-ray images made from breast tissue to be recorded and processed on a computer gives us the ability to take an even closer look at those variations, the doctor said.
"The procedure for taking a digital mammogram is the same as for conventional mammography," she explained. "The difference is that the images are processed on a computer and viewed on a monitor, which allows us to enhance or magnify an area for a closer look."
Another related technique called computer-aided detection (CAD) involves the use of computers to mark suspicious areas on a mammogram, Dr. Borofsky said.
"It takes the computer images and does a second read, putting signals on areas where we should focus more attention."
These techniques are just starting to be used at some medical facilities, she said. "They are not fully tested or proven and the technology is still extremely expensive."
Yet, the doctor believes computer techniques may replace conventional X-ray mammography.
Although the use of mammography has been linked to declining death rates among women with breast cancer, the disease still ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Digital mammography is just one of the types of advanced imaging being evaluated for Mills-Peninsula's planned Women's Center at Mills Health Center in San Mateo.
"The goal for all the screening techniques -- whether already in use or on the horizon -- is to detect breast cancer as early as possible," Dr. Borofsky said.
Dr. Borofsky will discuss "New Technologies in Breast Cancer Detection," Oct. 16, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Wellness Center. Admission is $12/$8 age 62+. Call 696 5600 to register.