A group of radiologists and surgeons were amongst those opting to spend Valentine’s Day evening with Dr Carla Boetes, Consultant Radiologist from the University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Carla’s special interest is in breast imaging, especially in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the breasts.

Dr Boetes spoke on the gradual acceptance of digital mammography as being at least equivalent, if not with a slight edge over analogue mammography over the years in terms of image quality. There were many mammogram images to show the differences, the enhancements with digital processing as well as improvements in computer aided diagnosis.

She also shared The Netherlands breast screening experience, where the eligible population invited for screening was currently aged 50 to 75 years. Of those invited, the rate of attendance was about 78%. Their mean screening interval was 24.5 months and the number of referrals was about 1.3%. Breast cancers were detected in 0.5% of the population screened.

Some tips in intervention in the breast were shared, including “how to” in stereotactic biopsy under mammogram guidance.

Dr Boetes ended with an introduction to newer technologies which may soon make their appearance for daily practice. These included tomosynthesis, dual energy subtraction, contrast enhanced digital mammography and image fusion with ultrasound. The latter would combine the different strengths of mammography and ultrasound together.

The evening ended with Chinese dinner and “yee sang” as it just days away from the Chinese New Year celebrations. Appreciation and thanks to GE Healthcare for making this programme possible.