Comparative study of mammography and mammary serum antigen estimation for breast cancer screening

Abstract

Objective: To compare mammary serum antigen (MSA) levels with mammography as a screening test for breast cancer. To determine the value of MSA testing to decrease the need for women to undergo mammography. Design: A blind prospective comparison of MSA levels and mammography to detect breast cancer. Setting: Royal Women's Hospital Breast Cancer Screening Clinic. Women were mainly self-referred. Results: MSA levels had a wide range in normal women and women with mammography-detected breast cancer. Mean MSA levels in women with breast cancer reflected tumour volume, but a wide range was again seen. At 60% specificity, the sensitivity of an elevated MSA level for breast cancer was 63% for invasi..