Correct position helps mammogram detect cancer NEW YORK, Mar 27 (Reuters Health) - Correct positioning of the body during mammogram screening can increase the likelihood of identifying invasive breast cancers, according to researchers. In their study, Dr. Stephen H. Taplin from the Group Health Cooperative and the University of Washington, both in Seattle, and colleagues looked at women aged 40 or older who were screened for breast cancer between 1988 and 1993. About 492 women had cancer detected by a routine mammogram, while 164 had their cancer detected sometime outside of routine screening. The researchers went back and looked at mammograms taken before the cancer diagnosis. They found that the chances of missing a cancer were twice as high if the body position was incorrect during the screening procedure. Since that time, researchers have learned more about the best body positions required to detect cancer, the authors note in the April issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. "Proper positioning depends on cooperation between the technologist and the patient during the screening," Taplin said in a statement. "When the technologist asks a women to lean in so more of her breast can be seen on the film, it really does make a difference," he added. In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Stephen A. Feig from The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York notes that the study should "encourage efforts to further ensure proper image quality in (each of our own radiology) practices and around our nation." Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.