Mammogram misses advanced breast cancer in patient highlighting detection challenges

Susan Leeson, 56, received a clear mammogram but later discovered she had advanced, incurable breast cancer that had spread throughout her body. This highlights the issue of "interval cancers," which are diagnosed between routine screenings despite previous clear results. In England, about 6,000 women are diagnosed with interval cancers each year. Many of these cases involve cancers that were not visible during the last mammogram, often due to subtle changes or dense breast tissue, which complicates detection. Current guidelines do not require additional screenings for women with dense breasts, unlike practices in some other countries. New technologies, such as 3D mammography and AI, are being explored to improve detection rates and reduce missed cancers.