The management of breast lesions with uncertain malignant potential took center stage at the annual scientific meeting of the European Society of Breast Imaging, and breast imaging pioneer and SBI member Dr. Christiane Kuhl focused on MRI's impact on these questionable findings.

Aunt Minnie (9/28) reports that research suggests “a supplemental boost of radiation cuts breast cancer recurrence in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who receive whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT) following lumpectomy.” The findings were presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology conference. 

In The Atlantic (9/27), Jason Silverstein, a lecturer and writer-in-residence in the department of global health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School, writes that “the World Health Organization estimates that two-thirds of the planet does not have access to basic radiology services.” The piece points out that “there are more radiologists working in the four teaching hospitals on Longwood Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts, than there are in West Africa.” Silverstein adds that “the global radiology gap is far less discussed than infectious-disease outbreaks and natural disasters, but its dangers to public health are every bit as urgent.” 

The Radiology Business Journal (9/27, Walter) reports that “according to a recent case study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, one way to increase the overall quality of patient care is standardizing templates to be used for all breast MRI reports.” The study authors wrote, “Our study shows that the use of standardized templates for structured reporting of breast MRI examinations can improve quality by increasing report completeness and consistency.” 

A Miami Herald (9/22, Horton) article discusses the impact of breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) on breast cancer screening in younger women. The Herald points out, “One in six breast cancers occur in women aged 40-49, according to the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging.” The Herald article also explores possible impacts of American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines on minority women.