Current Strategies to Reducing Interval Breast Cancers: A Systematic Review

Interval breast cancers (IBCs) are detected between regular mammographic screenings after an initially negative result. Studies have shown that the prognosis of IBCs is similar to that of unscreened symptomatic cancers and is hence a surrogate used to assess the effectiveness of screening programs. This systematic review consolidates the current literature available on strategies to reduce the rates of IBC.

Following PRISMA guidelines, three databases were searched from inception till October 29, 2023 to identify papers, which reported IBC rates. Key search terms included "interval breast cancer", "mammogram", "tomosynthesis" and "screening".

A total of 32 articles were included. Fourteen studies discussed the use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) as an alternative screening modality to mammograms. Six studies discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on mammograms, five studies discussed the use of supplemental modalities including ultrasonography (US) in addition to mammograms, five studies discussed varying screening intervals and two studies discussed tamoxifen use.

The trajectory of IBCs can be altered by early detection when they are more amenable to treatment, through advanced screening techniques, adjusting inter-screening intervals and modifiable risk factors. The goal is to create a screening protocol that is economically effective and accessible to various populations.