Newswise — Washington, DC — At ACR 2016 —The Crossroads of Radiology®, radiologists will gain essential skills to respond to questions from consumers, administrators and payers about conflicting breast cancer screening studies and recommendations.

“Breast imagers, in delivering the highest quality patient care, will be faced with questions about patient age groups and imaging intervals over the next few years,” said Cheri Canon, MD, FACR, referring to the recent Congressional delay regarding U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations and insurance coverage. “As breast cancer experts vet USPSTF recommendations and the process by which they were created, it’s critical that radiologists understand the state of breast imaging. That information is being offered at ACR 2016,” noted the chair of the meeting’s Program Committee.

Besides reviewing mammography screening concepts and guidelines, attendees will be able to explore the use of digital breast tomosynthesis and the significance of mammographic breast density. ACR 2016 also offers breast imagers the opportunity to personally discuss ways to celebrate this year’s International Day of Radiology, which spotlights the thousands of lives saved by breast cancer screening, said Canon.

Breast imaging sessions offered at ACR 2016 include:State of the Union: Breast Imaging (Developed in conjunction with the Society of Breast Imaging) Mammography Case Review ACR Education Center: Breast MRImage-Guided Breast Biopsy: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation (Developed in conjunction with the American Institute for Radiologic Pathology)

The American College of Radiology (ACR) annual all-member meeting will be held May 15–19 in Washington, DC. The keynote address is being given by Ezekiel J. (Zeke) Emanuel, MD, PhD, an architect of the Affordable Care Act and a leading practitioner shaping the future of health care. Special events include Capitol Hill Day, with exclusive meetings scheduled for members to bring the “Voice of Radiology” to elected officials, the Body MRI Boot Camp and the Economics Forum. Sessions are organized in nine program pathways, with more than 100 hours of educational programming. The five-day meeting offers special sessions for residents, fellows and early-career physicians. The Resident and Fellow Section will meet May 14–15. More information can be found in the ACR 2016 program schedule. Online registration is open; final registration discounts end April 30.

About the American College of RadiologyThe American College of Radiology (ACR), founded in 1924, is a professional medical society dedicated to serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice, science and professions of radiological care.

To arrange an interview with an ACR spokesperson, contact Shawn Farley at 703-869-0292, Maryann Verrillo at 703-390-9822 or email [email protected].