By Dr. Noelle Cutter
The draft paper we initially circulated was more of an overview—a starting
point for what we hope to refine into a final publication. We’re incredibly
grateful for the opportunity to work with the Terason ultrasound system, and
after using it firsthand, we found it to be an extremely effective imaging
tool, especially for the specific group of patients we studied.
Our focus was on women with dense breast tissue—primarily athletes under 45,
some of whom fell into a higher-risk category. As we know, traditional
mammography often struggles to detect abnormalities in dense breast tissue.
This made it essential for us to explore the capabilities of the Terason system
in providing clearer, more reliable imaging.
We were beyond impressed with its performance. Having access to a
portable, high-quality ultrasound device was invaluable. And, of course, Dr.
Robert Bard’s expertise in radiological imaging played a crucial role in this
project.
Background & Motivation
This study is a passion project for me. As a triathlete and endurance
athlete, I’ve noticed within my own community—both as a coach and as a
competitor—that many women I train with have been diagnosed with dense breasts,
myself included. Several had cancer scares, and one was ultimately diagnosed
with breast cancer. These experiences sparked conversations: Why was this
happening? Was there something unique about this group of women that made them
more susceptible?
We already understand the link between dense breast tissue and increased
cancer risk. However, we wanted to examine this relationship specifically in
young female athletes—individuals who are typically considered the pinnacle of
health. This led to further questions: Could hormonal variations play a role?
Does body composition—low body fat, high muscle mass—affect breast tissue
density? Would these women benefit from tailored screening approaches beyond
standard mammography?
This is where the Terason ultrasound system became instrumental. Its ease of
use, real-time imaging capabilities, and portability allowed us to conduct
screenings efficiently and conveniently, even in unconventional settings like
race events. Athletes were eager to participate, making it possible for us to
gather valuable data. Beyond our specific focus group, we recognized the
potential for this technology to improve screening accessibility for other
communities—particularly those with limited access to routine breast exams.
Study Overview & Findings
For our initial case study, we worked with four women under 45, all
endurance athletes with pre-diagnosed dense breasts. One was a breast cancer
survivor. Our goals were to evaluate the sensitivity of the Terason device,
assess imaging resolution, and determine any unique findings within this
population.
Case Summaries:
1. 38-Year-Old
Marathon Runner
o
Mammograms had been inconclusive.
o
Ultrasound confirmed the need for continued
routine monitoring.
2. Endurance
Cyclist
o
Experienced regular hormonal imbalances.
o
Ultrasound revealed a suspected fibroadenoma,
which she was previously unaware of.
3. Breast
Cancer Survivor (Triathlete, Ironman Competitor)
o
The ultrasound effectively distinguished
post-treatment changes from previous malignant areas.
o
Provided valuable insights for ongoing
monitoring.
The results demonstrated the advantages of Terason’s imaging capabilities—particularly
in identifying lesions that mammography might miss. The system’s accessibility,
portability, and high-resolution imaging made it an excellent tool for this
specialized patient population.
Implications & Future Directions
Beyond the immediate study, the potential applications of this technology
are vast. We’ve seen firsthand how the Terason ultrasound can empower women to
take charge of their healthcare—whether it’s through better screening,
education, or simply knowing their options. This device’s flexibility could
extend its benefits to underserved communities where access to breast imaging
is limited.
Looking ahead, we hope to expand this research into larger clinical studies,
incorporating a broader patient pool. There’s also an opportunity to explore
collaborations with other researchers who share similar interests in breast
health and innovative imaging solutions. Securing funding will be key to
scaling these efforts, and publishing our findings is an essential next step in
that process.
Final Thoughts
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the combined support of
Terason and Dr. Bard. The integration of cutting-edge imaging technology with
expert analysis has allowed us to take significant steps in addressing gaps in
breast cancer screening for young, active women.
Ultimately, our goal is to continue advocating for improved screening
methods, particularly for populations that may not fit the standard model of
breast cancer risk. The more we can learn, share, and innovate, the better we
can support women in making informed decisions about their health.
We’re excited to move forward—refining our findings, seeking funding, and
expanding our research. The potential here is enormous, and we’re eager to see
where it leads next.
No comments:
Post a Comment