UC Seeks Participants For Studies Of New Breast-Imaging Technology

UC Medical Center researchers are participating in three national studies to determine the effectiveness of emerging technologies in detecting breast cancer.

One study, believed to be the largest cancer-screening trial ever conducted, will determine whether digital mammography offers women better diagnostic results than conventional film techniques.  Of nearly 50,000 participants nationwide, 1,000 are being studied at UC.

A second study is evaluating the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting cancer in breasts determined by standard mammography and physical exam to be cancer-free. A third seeks to clarify the possible role of ultrasound in detecting breast cancer in high-risk women.

Mary C. Mahoney, MD, director of Breast Imaging at the Barrett Center and principal investigator of the studies, invites women to participate in the on-going research.

"The need for further clinical trials to enhance breast cancer screening and diagnosis is essential in improving a woman's prognosis and response to treatment once an abnormality is found," she says.

Sponsored by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN), UC's work is being done at the Barrrett Center, part of University Hospital and the University Cancer Center.

To participate in a breast-imaging trial, or for more information about these or future studies, contact Monene Kamm at 513-584-5338 or Lisa Shiveley at 513-584-2179.