Radiography (Lond). 2025 Oct 31:103215. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103215. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Women with dense breast tissue are at increased risk for breast cancer, and standard mammography often fails to detect cancer in this population. Supplementary screening modalities offer improved detection, yet practices across Europe remain inconsistent. This study explores the requirements for implementing supplementary breast cancer screening across Europe by surveying current guidance and practices, examining workforce awareness and perceptions of existing protocols, identifying barriers to practice change, and evaluating staff willingness to adopt these screenings.
METHODS: A mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was distributed online to radiographers and radiologists in breast cancer screening units across Europe. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Friedman and Chi-Square tests, were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis.
RESULTS: Eighty-three respondents from 39 countries responded over a six-month period. The majority (95.2 %) of respondents worked in breast screening programs. Hand-held ultrasound (45.8 %), Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (32.5 %), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (22.9 %) were the most used supplementary modalities. Main barriers included waiting lists (mean = 3.99), cost (mean = 3.98), and workload (mean = 3.95). Only 34.9 % of the respondents recorded breast density. Awareness of guidelines varied significantly by profession (p = 0.009). Themes from open-ended responses highlighted technological needs, staffing gaps, training needs, and cost barriers.
CONCLUSION: Despite high awareness, implementation of supplementary screening remains limited due to systemic barriers. Standardized guidelines, resource investment, and targeted education are needed to ensure equitable breast cancer screening across Europe.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Addressing disparities in training, resources, and guideline implementation is essential to support healthcare professionals in delivering effective supplementary screening for women with dense breasts. These findings can inform the development of standardized protocols and targeted professional education across Europe.
PMID:41176479 | DOI:10.1016/j.radi.2025.103215