Digital mammography: The excitement of creating a new imaging modality

Beginning around 1972 with the introduction of CT, a steady transition from analog to digital imaging in radiology took place. Here, I offer a personal perspective of the exciting multi-institutional and multidisciplinary team effort of developing digital mammography. That effort required the collaboration of visionary individuals in academic research labs, industry, and the clinical arena, catalyzed by a focused commitment from government (NCI and The Office of Women's Health). This collaboration greatly accelerated the timeline from laboratory prototypes to clinical systems and evaluation, resulting in a new imaging modality and, later, several spinoff applications (CAD, contrast-enhanced mammography, tomosynthesis) that provide improved earlier detection of breast cancer.

Automated summary

Beginning in 1972, the field of radiology underwent a transition from analog to digital imaging with the introduction of CT. This article provides a personal perspective on the collaborative effort among multiple institutions and disciplines to develop digital mammography. The collaboration involved individuals from academic research labs, industry, and the clinical arena, supported by government commitment. This effort greatly expedited the development of new imaging modalities and spinoff applications, leading to improved early detection of breast cancer.