Digital mammography: The excitement of creating a new imaging modality

Abstract

AbstractBeginning 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.