CNN (11/29) "The Chart" blog reports that "women between the ages of 40 to 49 do have a high rate of developing breast cancer even if they don't have a family history of the illness," according to a new study presented at the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting. The researchers examined "patient's records from the database at the Elizabeth Wende Breast Care clinic in Rochester, New York, over a 10-year period" and found "1,071 of more than 6,000 patients were between the ages of 40-49. Of those, 373 patients were screened for breast cancer." The study found "144, or 39 percent, of those women had a family history of breast cancer, while 228 (61 percent) did not."

Modern Healthcare (11/29, Lee, Subscription Publication) reports, "Of the women with the family history, about 63% of the patients had invasive breast cancer and about 37% had noninvasive breast cancer." Women without family history of breast cancer, "researchers said that 64% were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 36% had noninvasive breast cancer." Dr. Stamatia Destounis, a managing partner at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, stated in a news release, "We believe this study demonstrates the importance of mammography screening for women in this age group, which is in opposition to the recommendations issued by the task force."

Source: ACR Daily News Scan

What is RSNA?
The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is an association of more than 46,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists committed to excellence in patient care through education and research. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois. The Society seeks to provide radiologists and allied health scientists with educational programs and materials of the highest quality, and to constantly improve the content and value of these educational activities. The Society seeks to promote research in all aspects of radiology and related sciences, including basic clinical research in the promotion of quality healthcare. The Society seeks to foster closer fellowship among all radiologists and greater cooperation among radiologists and members of other branches of medicine and allied healthcare professionals.

The Society's success in achieving its goals in education and research is due to the high level of professionalism of its members and other colleagues who generously share their scientific knowledge and administrative abilities. For further information about the Society, visit the RSNA members' website at http://www.rsna.org.