On Sept. 16, 2005, preliminary results from a large, clinical trial of digital vs. film mammography showed no difference in detecting breast cancer for the general population of women in the trial. However, those women with dense breasts, who are pre- or perimenopausal (women who had a last menstrual period within 12 months of their mammograms), or who are younger than age 50 may benefit from having a digital rather than a film mammogram.

These results may give clinicians better guidance and greater choice in deciding which women might benefit most from various forms of mammography.