Although mammograms remain the recommended standard for screening, many eligible women still do not get screened consistently. A recent survey by MedStar Health found that 59% of eligible women do not book their yearly mammogram, while data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests about 23% do not follow screening guidelines. The impact is substantial: roughly 380,000 women in the United States are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year, continuing a rise seen over the past decade. Even among those who undergo timely screening, limitations remain, as mammograms can miss approximately one in eight breast cancers.
These gaps in screening and diagnosis make the latest American College of Physicians’ recommendation – that average-risk women should wait until 50 for routine mammograms and screen only every other year – a concerning shift away from the early, broad screening that has long been considered protective. The American College of Radiology warned the change “may contribute to thousands of additional breast cancer deaths each year.”
While screening recommendations are in flux, the medical community is increasingly building adjuncts that enhance existing screening tools without adding health risks. One example is Clarity Health, a breast cancer screening tool that uses AI to analyze completed mammograms and assess a patient’s risk of future cancer. Its clinical credibility is growing — the National Comprehensive Cancer Network updated its 2026 guidelines to include this AI-based risk assessment approach.
These adjunct tools are critical because, for many women, breast cancer screening doesn’t end with a ‘normal’ mammogram. This past year, I had my own mammogram, which was read as normal. But it also mentioned that I have dense breast tissue. Beyond that, there was no further recommendation or plan. Since then, I have been searching for the best next steps for myself and women with similar reports.
Seeking clearer insights, I engaged with experts advancing innovative screening methods. I spoke with Raluca Dinu, PhD, CEO, and Satrajit Misra, Chief Commercial Officer of QT Imaging, a medical device company leveraging 3D ultrasound technology for breast cancer screening. Our conversation focused on their mission to expand access to screening and enhance diagnostic accuracy in breast cancer detection.
Why the Gold Standard Mammogram Isn’t Good Enough
Raluca Dinu PhDScott Chernis Photography