Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography
Published on: November 14, 2025
Public Interest in Imaging-Based Cancer Screening Examinations in the United States: Analysis Using a Web-Based
Andrew B Rosenkrantz1, Vinay Prabhu1
11 Both authors: Department of Radiology, Center for Biomedical Imaging, New York University School of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, 660 First Ave, 3rd Fl, New York, NY 10016.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to identify geographic and temporal patterns related to the frequencies of online searches within the United States for information on imaging-based cancer screening tests.
Materials And Methods:
Google Trends, a web-based tool for identifying the frequency of online searches, was used to determine, on both a monthly and a geographic basis, the relative frequency of searches for imaging-based cancer screening tests in the United States from 2004 through 2014. Findings were evaluated qualitatively.
Results:
Searches for "mammography" decreased slightly overall, although they peaked in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) in most years and spiked in November 2009 (when the updated U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening mammography guidelines were released). The frequency of searches for "tomosynthesis" increased rapidly from 2009 through 2014. On the other hand, the frequency of searches for "lung cancer screening" decreased slightly from 2006 through 2010, increased rapidly from 2011 through 2014, and exhibited a spike in November 2010 (when the results of the National Lung Screening Trial were released). Searches for "virtual colonoscopy" decreased substantially from 2004 through 2010, remained stable from 2011 through 2014, and spiked in months coinciding with the publication of the results of large relevant clinical trials and a press release announcing that the president of the United States was undergoing virtual colonoscopy. The frequency of searches for "prostate MRI" was stable from 2006 through 2010 and increased rapidly from 2011 through 2014. Searches for "prostate MRI biopsy" increased rapidly in 2013 and 2014. These searches occurred predominantly in densely populated areas (e.g., searches for "lung cancer screening," "prostate MRI," and "tomosynthesis" were highest in New York City).
Conclusion:
Online search patterns indicate geographic and short- and long-term temporal variation in the interest in cancer screening examinations among the U.S. population. These trends may indicate pending shifts in the use of these examinations.
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