Researchers from the University of Cambridge estimate that if these advanced screening methods are adopted by the NHS, cancer detection rates could potentially triple, saving around 700 lives annually in the UK.

The study, part of the Dense Tissue and Early Breast Neoplasm Screening (DENSE) Trial, assessed the effectiveness of abbreviated MRI protocols, which demonstrated similar sensitivity and specificity to traditional full-protocol MRIs.

In this clinical trial, which involved 9,400 women, approximately 75% underwent supplementary imaging tests, including contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), abbreviated MRI (AB-MRI), or automated whole breast ultrasound (ABUS).

Results indicated that the abbreviated protocol achieved a sensitivity of 84.3% and specificity of 73.9%, with significant reductions in reading times from 96.4 seconds to 49.7 seconds.

The abbreviated MRI protocol also reduced scanning times by 70% to 80%, enhancing patient experience and potentially increasing participation rates in screening programs.

Despite the advantages of shorter protocols, challenges such as cost, capacity, and accessibility have previously limited the broader use of MRI for screening dense breast tissue.

However, participation in the trial was relatively low, highlighting the need for increased awareness regarding the implications of dense breast tissue and the benefits of supplementary imaging.

The research team plans to continue monitoring participants to evaluate the long-term impact of these supplemental screening methods and their cost-effectiveness for broader implementation.

A new national cancer plan is expected to be released later in 2025, which may address the integration of these advanced screening techniques into routine practice.

A recent study has revealed that additional imaging scans can detect early-stage cancers often overlooked by standard mammograms, particularly benefiting women with dense breast tissue.

While traditional full-protocol breast MRIs take 30 to 35 minutes, the abbreviated versions can be completed in as little as 10 minutes, which may lower costs and improve accessibility.

Recall rates varied among different imaging methods, with abbreviated MRIs showing rates from 5.2% to 14.7%, while ABUS and CEM had rates ranging from 1.0% to 6.3% and 4.3% to 18.2%, respectively.