Screening Mammography and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Controversies

Breast cancer screening with mammography reduces breast cancer mortality; however, diverging recommendations regarding screening have caused controversy. The emerging technology of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) may soon become the mainstay of breast cancer screening. We present recommendations for breast cancer screening based on guidelines. A PubMed literature review was performed and the results from five large clinical studies comparing the efficacy of digital mammography alone versus digital mammography with DBT are examined. We emphasize the importance of annual screening to reduce breast cancer mortality. Our review of the literature demonstrates that DBT increases cancer detection rates and reduces callbacks. Additional research is needed to determine whether the increased cancer detection rates are associated with a decrease in mortality.