Canadian breast CR study provokes concern

In a study published on May 14 in Radiology, Canadian researchers found that mammography using computed radiography (CR) systems produced lower breast cancer detection rates than analog units or those based on flat-panel digital radiography (DR). The results have caused a furor as Canadian provinces scramble to respond.

"More breast cancers might have been diagnosed sooner if Ontario had replaced its outdated mammography machines more quickly, radiologists say," Calgary correspondent Jen Gerson wrote in a National Post story. The Ontario government plans to spend $25 million ($24 million U.S.) to replace the 76 CR machines in the province.

On the other hand, Quebec plans to keep using its CR mammography units, but it does intend to review the effectiveness of the machines installed in the province, Globe and Mail reported. The province's radiology association noted that Quebec's breast cancer detection rate has been higher than international standards for more than a decade, and is slightly higher than that of Ontario as well, according to the newspaper.