Learning objectives
Breast density has implications for both breast screening and risk [1,2]. Dense breast tissue can mask detection of noncalcified cancers on a mammogram and is an independent risk factor for the development of breast cancer [3] (Fig.1). Over 40% of women have dense breasts [4], and it is considered normal. Mammography is less effective in women with dense breasts [5] and supplemental screening with ultrasound or MRI are proven to increase the detection of node-negative invasive cancers [6-8].
Dense Breasts Facts
Breast density is determined...
Background
DenseBreast-info.org/Europe was launched in October 2018, in conjunction with the publication of the European Radiology article, Breast Density Implications and Supplemental Screening authored by Drs. Athina Vourtsis and Wendie Berg. The launch and publication received US and international media coverage, including features in ecancer news, Pink Ribbon online newsletter, ITNonline and Radiology Business.
Findings and procedure details
Currently, there are 14 countries participating in the education coalition, represented by 18 breast imaging radiologists. Google analytics indicate that from 15 October 2018 to 31 December 2019, there were 12,401 individual user sessions/visits to the website; on average 2+ website pages were viewed during sessions/visits; 90% of visits were from “new” versus “returning visitors” (Fig. 7).
Conclusion
DenseBreast-info.org is a comprehensive medically-sourced educational website that has recently expanded into Europe to provide up-to-date information to healthcare professionals on the implications of breast density and the potential impact of supplemental screening.
Personal information and conflict of interest
C. Cruwys; Haute Vienne/FR - nothing to disclose; A. Vourtsis; Athens/GR - Speaker at Received honoraria by GE Healthcare for giving lectures and moderating workshops - Member of the Medical Advisory Board of Volpara Solutions and Luminary partner - European Liaison of DenseBreast-info.org; W. Berg; Pittsburgh, PA/US - nothing to disclose; J. Pushkin; Deer Park NY/US - nothing to disclose
Dr. Athina Vourtsis, MD, PhD, European Liaison/Member of Medical Advisory Board, DenseBreast-info.org
Director and Founder of Diagnostic Mammography Center, Athens, Greece.
Founding President of the...
References
[1] Berg WA. DenseBreast-Info Inc (2015-2019) https://densebreast-info.org/about.aspx
[2] Kerlikowske K, Sprague BL, Tosteson ANA, et al. Strategies to identify women at high risk of advanced breast cancer during routine screening for discussion of supplemental imaging. JAMA Intern Med 2019
[3] McCormack VA, dos Santos Silva I. Breast and parenchymal patterns as markers of breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006; 15:1159-1169
[4] Sprague BL, Gangnon RE, Burt V, et al. Prevalence of mammographically dense breasts in the United States. J Natl Cancer...