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Breast dose variability in a bi-racial population undergoing screening mammography
M K Schubauer-Berigan1, L Baron, G D Frey
1Department of Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA. zcg3@cdc.gov
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|July 18, 2002
Summary
Screening mammography doses varied significantly by patient factors, with Black women and those with higher breast thickness receiving higher radiation exposure. Individual doses remained consistent across repeat screening sessions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Public Health
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Mammography is a crucial tool for early breast cancer detection.
- Understanding radiation dose variability is essential for optimizing screening protocols and patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate individual and population dose variability in screening mammography.
- To identify factors influencing radiation dose during mammography procedures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of screening mammography dosimetry data from 570 women in South Carolina.
- Inclusion of compressed breast thickness (CBT), number of films, and view type as variables.
- Assessment of dose distribution and factors affecting dose variation.
Main Results:
- Breast dose followed a log-normal distribution with a geometric mean of 6.6 mGy per session.
- Higher doses were observed in Black women, those with high CBT, and with more than two views per breast.
- Significant dose variation (factor of 20) across the population, but individual doses were consistent over time.
Conclusions:
- Patient demographics and procedural factors significantly impact screening mammography radiation dose.
- Results provide data for risk assessment of radiation-induced breast cancer from screening.
- Findings can inform strategies to minimize dose variability and optimize mammography effectiveness.