Generally speaking, shifting from traditional X-ray films to digital mammograms has many advantages, including that this technology is better at detecting tumors in certain women. However, as the shift occurs, radiologists increasingly are having to call women in for re-tests as they learn to interpret digital mammograms and compare them to patients' previous X-ray films. Because they're new to this comparison process, and not confident that they're reconciling the two correctly, they're taking the extra step of having some women not only re-test, but also get ultrasound exams and biopsies. Not only is this imposing new costs, it's putting women through frightening times where they fear that they're positive for breast cancer. In short, while radiologists will doubtless get the hang of things, it seems that the transition may be rocky for a while.
To learn more about this transition:
- read this New York Times piece