Patient-Specific Radiation Dose Estimation in Breast Cancer Screening

Millions of women are screened each year using mammography and/or tomosynthesis in order to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Although the radiation doses used are relatively low [1], the breast is one of the most radiation-sensitive organs so constant vigilance is necessary to ensure that the radiation dose is as low as reasonably achievable (the ALARA principle). Despite this vigilance by X-ray vendors and regulatory bodies, patients and clinicians alike are increasingly raising concerns about the risk of radiation-induced cancers and, for some women, this risk is sufficient to reduce adherence to screening programs or deter them from undergoing breast screening altogether [2].