Can Computer-aided Detection with Double Reading of Screening Mammograms Help Decrease the False-Negative Rate? Initial Experience

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the role of computer-aided detection (CAD) in reducing the rate of false-negative (FN) findings on screening mammograms considered normal at initial double reading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the authors’ institution, independent prospective double readings in which the second reader is not blinded to results of the first reading are performed routinely for all mammograms. When cancer is diagnosed, prior mammograms also are reviewed with double reading to determine cancer visibility. Findings are categorized as (a) no evidence of cancer on any prior screening mammogram and patient presents more than 1 year after prior screening, (b) no evidence of cancer on any prior screening mammogram and patient presents with symptoms within 1 year after prior screening (year-interval occult false-negative), or (c) cancer visible. The clinical director separately evaluates each case in the same way. In 2000, 519 histologically proved breast cancers were diagnosed, including 132 for w...