The beauty of new technology

Now, there might be a new method to detect breast cancer in women--- without having to get a biopsy. According to the Wall Street Journal article, "Elastogram May Reduce Need
For Biopsy to Detect Breast Cancer," there is a new technique called "elastography" which is an "experimental ultrasound technique that measure how easily breast lumps compress and bounce back."

The results from a small study of 80 women were extremely positive--- there was 100% accuracy in distinguishing benign lumps from malignant ones. If the results hold up in a larger study, this new technique could revolutionize the detection of breast cancer. Some experts laud the technique but believe it will not replace biopsies--- there needs to be much more research and hard evidence. One surgeon said, even if the technique is proven effective and accurate, doctors may have reservations about relying just on this technique and not ordering biopsies ---for fear of a lawsuit. It is a sad but true reality that doctors have to fear lawsuits even when a new technique is proven better than an older method.

For the sake of every woman, let's hope this technique is proven effective, accurate and meets (or surpasses) all the experts' expectations with the larger study. Researchers are already testing this technique to detect other health problems—prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and even damage after a heart attack.