World Breast Health Day: All About Pink October & Life-saving Imaging Techniques

Posted On Oct, 15, 2024

The entire month of October-Pink Month-is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness; in doing so, October 15th is revered as World Breast Health Day. The day holds significance to raise awareness among women that lifestyle factors play an invaluable role in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. The urgency in addressing women’s health to break the barriers and enhance health outcomes amidst soaring cancer cases puts a premium on breast health day.

World Breast Health Day

National Breast Cancer Foundation notes that over 360,000 people would be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Moreover, Breastcancer.org claims that 1 in 8 women in the U.S. would develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, while there are over four million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S.

Assessing the goals behind the global campaign with early detection and technological advancements in imaging and biopsy devices can reduce the risk of the disease and may enhance breast cancer outcomes.

AI Negates Mammography Challenges

The torchbearer of early detection of breast cancer-mammography screening-continues to be the cornerstone to reduce mortality in line with the objective of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI). As the WHO strives to ward off 2.5 million breast cancer deaths globally between 2020 and 2040, huge responsibilities lie in the hands of mammography market. Add to it the global shortages of breast radiologists and burgeoning demand for precision diagnostics, and the road to WHO objective looks daunting yet attainable.

Radiologists, physicians, clinicians and industry partners have seemingly counted on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address these challenges. For instance, GE Healthcare claims it uses deep learning technologies-based AI applications to make the imaging technique more accessible. The use of deep-learning tools, along with radiomics, has helped clinicians:

  • Detect architectural distortions, microcalcifications and masses;

  • Boost breast density readings;

  • Enhance faster imaging processing and sensitivity.

Technological advancements in clinical insights using AI mammography could bring a tectonic shift in more accurate and earlier breast cancer diagnosis.

Into the Realm of Breast Imaging

Innovation in breast imaging techniques has brought a paradigm shift in cancer detection, reducing the chances of false positive results. While breast imaging tests, including ultrasound, mammograms and breast MRI, have been at the forefront, Positron emission mammography (PEM) and breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) have already gained ground in several centers.

Of late, low-dose positron emission mammography has garnered popularity on the back of attributes such as cost efficiency, lower false-positive rates, high sensitivity and independence from breast density. These dynamics underscore the significance of the breast imaging market in the healthcare ecosystem, fostering cancer diagnostics, screening and imaging methods to detect small clusters of cancer cells within the breast.

Are Breast Biopsy Devices Worth a Bet?

With the emergence of new breast imaging modalities, breast biopsy devices have further received an impetus amidst the prevalence of breast lumps. Prominently, core needle biopsy, MRI-guided core needle biopsy, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy and stereotactic biopsy have become sought-after in the breast biopsy device market.

Lately, radiologists have witnessed increased popularity of disposable needles for real-time imaging and verification, tissue acquisition and post-biopsy handling. To illustrate, in May 2024, Hologic reportedly brought the Brevera breast biopsy system 7-gauge needle to Europe to meet customer needs. It is expected to reduce waste, simplify storage and underpin new functionality. Meanwhile, in August 2022, Mammotome rolled out a Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy System for the excision of benign breast lesions.

Personalizing Breast Cancer with Liquid Biopsy

Researchers are counting on advanced liquid biopsy technologies to assess patient’s blood samples and sift people with breast cancer from those without. Liquid biopsy offers a less-invasive way to monitor, analyze and detect cancer in blood and other fluids. The sample becomes a vital cog for doctors to enhance patient outcomes and inform clinical decision-making.

Clinicians and diagnostic players are zeroing in on the breast cancer liquid biopsy market for breast cancer prognosis and diagnosis. Needless to say, early cancer screening has become a vital proposition to reduce mortality. In November 2023, Illumina announced the introduction of an advanced liquid biopsy assay for genomic profiling of solid tumors. Cancer centers are likely to invest in liquid biopsy for in-depth insights into cancer research.

What to Expect?

Healthcare providers, philanthropists, civil society groups, NGOs and persons with lived experiences speak highly of Breast Health Day and Pink Month. The day provides an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect, review and renew commitments to overcoming cancer through awareness, knowledge sharing and infusion of funds into imaging devices, mammography techniques and liquid biopsy devices. Nevertheless, relentless research and advances in treatments will impel treatments and help achieve the goal-a cure.

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