By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM) in South Australia
Women in South Australia now have access to contrast enhanced mammography (CEM), a state of the art breast cancer screening method. CEM significantly enhances detection capabilities compared to traditional mammograms, especially for women with dense breast tissue. This technology promises to improve early cancer detection, which is crucial for effective treatment and better patient outcomes.
The Challenge of Dense Breast Tissue
Radiologist Dr. Shan Bau highlights the challenges of detecting cancer in dense breast tissue using conventional mammograms. She compares this difficulty to "looking for a polar bear in a snowstorm," as dense tissue can obscure malignancies. CEM addresses this issue by using a contrast dye injected into the patient’s arm, making cancerous cells more visible on mammogram images. This contrast enhancement allows for a clearer distinction between healthy and abnormal tissues, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Advantages Over MRI
CEM's accuracy rivals that of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a gold standard in breast cancer detection. However, CEM offers a more patient friendly alternative for specific groups. MRI scans can be problematic for patients with claustrophobia or metallic implants, such as pacemakers, which interfere with the MRI process. CEM provides a less intimidating and more accessible option without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
Patient Experiences
Personal experiences highlight CEM's impact. Sarah Amadio, a 43 year old with a family history of breast cancer and dense breast tissue, shared her relief at having access to CEM. Traditional self examinations are ineffective for her. She noted the procedure's efficiency and comfort, saying, "It was so pain free and so quick, and to know that there is that additional detection factor, the peace of mind is completely worth it." Her testimony underscores CEM's potential to reassure women at higher risk of breast cancer who struggle with traditional screening methods.
Procedure and Cost
The CEM procedure is relatively quick, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete, making it convenient for women with busy schedules. However, CEM is not currently covered by Medicare in Australia, resulting in an out of pocket cost of about $250. While this may be a financial burden for some, many women, like Amadio, consider the additional cost justifiable for the peace of mind and early detection capabilities it provides.
Future Prospects
As awareness of CEM's benefits grows among healthcare providers and patients, there is potential for broader adoption and possibly future healthcare policy changes to include coverage for this advanced screening method. The introduction of CEM in South Australia represents a significant advancement in breast cancer screening, offering a more effective and patient friendly option for early detection, particularly for those with dense breast tissue. Continued evaluation and support for such technologies are essential in the ongoing fight against breast cancer, aiming to improve survival rates and quality of life for countless women.