Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Westernized countries. It is responsible for 30 percent of all cancers in women and is the third most common cancer in the world. The incidence of breast cancer varies widely around the world, with North America and European countries having the highest rates.

Our ongoing research on breast cancer includes:

using decision-analytic modeling techniques to quantify benefits and risks associated with cancer screening policies in the U.S., paying particular attention to over-diagnosis of early stage breast cancer

analyzing the potential cost-effectiveness of digital mammography in the U.S. The work leverages data collected in the Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST), a trial designed primarily to compare the diagnostic accuracy of digital and screen-film mammography

comparing the cost-effectiveness of current practice in breast cancer screening to potential alternative screening strategies considered in Mexico during their recent health systems reform

evaluation of emerging imaging technologies for breast cancer screening as they are implemented in the US healthcare delivery system

Breast cancer work conducted by Center for Health Decision Science researchers has been primarily financed by the National Cancer Institute. Center investigators include Drs. Stout and Salomon, and work is conducted at both the Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and at the Harvard Initiative for Global Health.