Estimated risk of radiation-induced cancer following breast screening employing tomosynthesis and digital mammography

The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of radiation-induced injury to the organs due to ionizing radiation following breast screening recommendations employing digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and digital mammography (DM). Using the Monte Carlo method, absorbed doses in the tissues and organs were calculated on an adult female phantom, considering two-view craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) projections for each breast. The results showed differences in the total effective risk due to DM (CC + MLO) and DBT (CC + MLO) examinations in Brazil, ranging from 20.73 cases 10⁻⁵ (DM) to 27.19 cases 10⁻⁵ (DBT). Significant differences were also observed in the total effective risk of cancer incidence in the lungs due to DM (CC + MLO) and DBT (CC + MLO), ranging from 1.75×10⁻⁰¹ cases 10⁻⁵ (DM) to 1.76×10⁻⁰¹ cases 10⁻⁵ (DBT). The results indicate that the total effective risk of incidence should be considered as an additional parameter for the evaluation of DBT or DBT + DM program performance. (paper)