New Research Article
Just Published:
A promising article is just out in Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Conundrum of Breast Density; Guidance for Healthcare Providers. The article emphasizes the lack of, and need for, consistent screening guidelines for women with dense breasts.
Summary: “The wealth of proxy data including worse outcomes of interval cancers, sensitivity of ultrasound in detecting cancers which tend to be smaller in size, possibly not requiring systemic chemotherapy, resulting in improved quality of life, should be considered by organizations making screening recommendations. Identifying women at higher risk of breast cancer and using these surrogate endpoints as criteria to endorse supplemental screening for selected women would allow consistent access to beneficial supplemental tests for selected high risk women.”
- The authors conclude, “Explicit and consistent guidelines from our professional organizations would result in more streamlined provider education and consequently effective, consistent communication to our patients.”
DenseBreast-info’s own health provider educational resources to facilitate patient communication include:
- Free CME/CE course, Dense Breasts and Supplemental Screening
- In the absence of consistent U.S. screening guidelines, DB-I Medical Advisory Board collaborative flowchart, Who Needs More Screening?
- Comprehensive list of FAQs
- To identify high risk patients, Provider Risk Model Tutorial
- Clinical resources:
- Printable Patient Brochure (also available pre-printed, contact us for details)
- Printable Patient Fact Sheet