DIMASOS2 - Density-indexed mammographic-sonographic breast cancer screening

Since 2005, all women in Germany between the ages of 50 and 69 have been able to undergo early detection of breast cancer every two years as part of the Mammography Screening Programme (MSP). The aim of mammography is to detect breast cancer as early as possible and treat it more effectively. This is because breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In Germany alone, over 17,000 women die from it every year. One problem with mammography, however, is that very dense breast tissue in particular can obscure the tumour and it cannot be reliably detected. Ultrasound examinations could help here. This is because some of the breast cancers concealed in dense tissue can be detected by ultrasound.
The DIMASOS 2 project is therefore investigating how ultrasound examinations in women with very dense glandular tissue can be incorporated into the early detection of breast cancer in the MSP. The following questions are at the centre of the project: How many additional cancers can be detected early by a combined mammography/ultrasound examination? Is the procedure feasible in routine practice? Are the side effects reasonable? What is the level of acceptance among participants and screening centres? How does the additional ultrasound examination affect the costs in the healthcare system?

A total of 30,000 women with very dense glandular tissue will take part in the combined mammography-ultrasound examination in around 20 screening units of the MSP. Their examination results will be compared with a historical cohort, i.e. with women who were only examined by mammography in an earlier period. In addition, the participants will report on their satisfaction with the care in interviews. Participating doctors will be asked about the feasibility and their expectations of combined mammography/ultrasound screening.