3-D Mammography Detects More Cancers, But Will It Save Lives?
12:21 minutes
Reporting in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers write that 3-D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, detects more cancers than traditional digital mammography and reduces the number of women called back for additional testing and biopsies. But the technology is expensive, exposes women to extra radiation, and there’s no indication yet that it catches more dangerous cancers, or is saving more lives. Physicians Sarah Friedewald, an author of the study, and Laura Esserman discuss 3-D mammography and what women should know for their next visit to the doctor.
Segment Guests
Sarah Friedewald
Sarah Friedewald is the co-medical director of the Caldwell Breast Center and section chief of breast imaging at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois.
Laura Esserman
Laura Esserman is director of the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center at the University of California, San Francisco in San Francisco, California.
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@cintagliataChristopher Intagliata was Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.