Study: Correct Positioning of Body During Mammogram Aids in Cancer Detection

University of Washington researchers report that correct positioning of the patient's body during mammogram screening may improve detection of invasive breast cancers.

The researchers reported in the American Journal of Roentgenology that they went back and looked at the mammograms taken prior to diagnosis of cancer in 656 women agred 40 or older screened between 1998 and 1993.

The researchers said when the body position during the mammogram was incorrect -- which occurred about one third of the time -- the breast cancer was much more likely to have not been diagnosed immediately, but found in some other manner subsequent to the screening.

"Invasive breast cancer detection by mammography may be improved through attention to correct positioning," the researchers concluded.

In a commentary accompanying the report, Dr. Stephen A. Feig of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York said the study should "encourage efforts (by radiologists) to further ensure proper image quality."

Other Sources: American Journal of Roentgenology