A New Era in early Breast Cancer detection

Leading medical research is opening new possibilities in women’s health. Recent studies show that traditional mammography can sometimes miss small tumors, especially in women with dense breast tissue, where glandular structures may conceal early signs of disease.

A groundbreaking study in the journal Radiology has introduced a diagnostic advance that enhances early cancer detection. Using a special imaging agent, technetium-99m sestamibi, the scan reveals cells with unusually high mitochondrial activity — a defining trait of cancer — making even the smallest changes visible.

In a large clinical study involving almost 3,000 women, this enhanced scan identified more than twice as many cancers as standard mammography alone. Most importantly, the majority of these cases were discovered at early, highly treatable stages, when outcomes are best.

Despite involving a minute amount of a well-known radioactive element, the method is considered safe and has long been used in other areas of medicine. Compared to MRI, it also offers greater comfort, fewer technical requirements, and notably lower cost, especially across leading European clinics.

For women with dense breast tissue, this innovative approach can make a critical difference — offering earlier detection, greater peace of mind, and a more personalized path to health.

Deutsche Ärzteblatt, 29. September 2025