Estimate of the Number of Breast Cancers Undetected by Screening Mammography in Individuals with Dense Breast Tissue

Background: Screening mammography has limited sensitivity for detecting breast cancer in dense breast tissue. This study estimates the maximal number of breast cancers undetected by mammography in individuals with dense breast tissue participating in screening mammography in the United States. Methods: Published data on supplemental screening incremental cancer detection rates (ICDRs), dense breast tissue prevalence, and total annual screening mammography exams in the United States are utilized for study estimates. Results: Assuming an ICDR of ۱۶ cancers beyond mammography per ۱,۰۰۰ individuals with dense breast tissue, ۳۸.۸ million mammograms in the U.S. in ۲۰۲۱, and a prevalence of dense breast tissue of ۴۳%, the number of cancers undetected by mammography in individuals with dense breast tissue participating in screening in the U.S. is estimated at ۲۶۷,۰۰۰. Conclusion: A large number of undiagnosed breast cancers in the population of individuals with dense breast tissue participating in screening mammography is estimated.

Keywords:

Cancer Screening , Breast Cancer , MRI scans , Early Detection of Cancer