Mammography Screening Accuracy Influenced by Facilities
A study reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute notes that the accuracy of mammography studies is influenced by the facilities where the study is completed. In particular, the research notes that particular characteristics can be pinpointed which influence the interpretation of screening mammograms.
A research team from the National Cancer Institute commenced this research endeavor to delineate facility-related factors that may influence the accuracy of mammography readings. One goal of completing this work was to help determine best practices.
The group reviewed data from more than 50 different facilities, gathered between 1992 and 2002. Over 484,000 mammographies were considered from 237,669 women. 2,686 of those women were diagnosed with breast cancer.
Facilities were likely to correctly identify breast cancer in almost 80 percent of the cases. Studies without malignancy were correctly identified more than 90 percent of the time. Women were referred for additional studies at a rate of approximately 4 percent.
An interesting finding was the variation between facilities with respect to referring women for additional studies who were positive for breast cancer. As well, there was little variation in correct identification of breast cancer. Alternatively, facilities did vary with respect to reading studies as negative for malignancy.
Characteristics of facilities that were more likely to be accurate included locations that offered both screening and diagnostic mammography, as well as those that had a radiologist who was a breast imaging specialist reading studies.
Earlier research endeavors note that patient characteristics can influence reading accuracy. Factors considered include age, among others. Previous research also notes that characteristics of the radiology reviewer also play into interpretation and influence the accuracy of readings.
June 17, 2008 Related topics: Facilities, Imaging, Diagnostic