Abstract
Background
Mammography has poor sensitivity in dense breast tissue. Retrospective studies suggest that Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), has superior diagnostic accuracy to mammography in women with very dense breast tissue. Women’s perspectives of MBI are unknown, but are crucial to understanding the feasibility of, and routes to, adoption into practice.
Method
Semi-structured interviews with screened and unscreened women explored acceptability of MBI. Data were analysed thematically.
Results
Four themes were generated from nineteen interviews: (1) presumed negative aspects of MBI are acceptable (2) convenience of access, (3) comfort in familiarity and (4) need for shared decisions relating to risk. Presumed negative aspects of MBI, such as radiation dose and forty-minute scan time, were acceptable provided there are benefits. Some participants were concerned about equitable access, such as parking. Participants expressed comfort in existing and familiar screening processes. Participants acknowledged that informing women of their breast density may result in increased anxiety, but it was still felt to be important to ensure women are fully informed of the risks and harms of screening.
Conclusions
Women consider MBI to be an acceptable breast imaging modality. High-quality information enabling informed decision-making is essential.
Mammography has poor sensitivity in dense breast tissue. Retrospective studies suggest that Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), has superior diagnostic accuracy to mammography in women with very dense breast tissue. Women’s perspectives of MBI are unknown, but are crucial to understanding the feasibility of, and routes to, adoption into practice.
Method
Semi-structured interviews with screened and unscreened women explored acceptability of MBI. Data were analysed thematically.
Results
Four themes were generated from nineteen interviews: (1) presumed negative aspects of MBI are acceptable (2) convenience of access, (3) comfort in familiarity and (4) need for shared decisions relating to risk. Presumed negative aspects of MBI, such as radiation dose and forty-minute scan time, were acceptable provided there are benefits. Some participants were concerned about equitable access, such as parking. Participants expressed comfort in existing and familiar screening processes. Participants acknowledged that informing women of their breast density may result in increased anxiety, but it was still felt to be important to ensure women are fully informed of the risks and harms of screening.
Conclusions
Women consider MBI to be an acceptable breast imaging modality. High-quality information enabling informed decision-making is essential.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1089 |
| Pages (from-to) | 276-282 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | British Journal of Cancer |
| Volume | 132 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 18 Dec 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Feb 2025 |