Improving Breast Imaging Quality Standards

Mammography is an important tool for detecting breast cancer at an early stage. When coupled with appropriate treatment, early detection can reduce breast cancermortality. At the request of Congress, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioneda study to examine the current practice of mammography and breast cancerdetection, with a focus on the FDA's oversight via the Mammography QualityStandards Act (MQSA), to identify areas in need of improvement. Enacted in 1993, MQSA provides a general framework for ensuring national qualitystandards in facilities performing screening mammography, requires that eachmammography facility be accredited and certified, and mandates that facilities willundergo annual inspections. This book recommends strategies for achieving continuedprogress in assuring mammography quality, including changes to MQSA regulation,as well as approaches that do not fall within the purview of MQSA. Specifically, this book provides recommendations aimed at improving mammographyinterpretation; revising MQSA regulations, inspections, and enforcement;ensuring an adequate workforce for breast cancer screening and diagnosis; andimproving breast imaging quality beyond mammography.