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


METHODS
A blind prospective comparison of MSA levels and mammography to detect breast cancer.


METHODS
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 invasive cancer and zero for in-situ disease. MSA levels were modestly but significantly elevated in smokers over non-smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
The MSA level is an insufficiently sensitive or specific marker to have a role in screening for breast cancer.
Ward
B G
BG
University of Queensland Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston.
Joy
G J
GJ
Ramm
L E
LE
Baker
C A
CA
McGuckin
M A
MA
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006782:Hospitals, Special; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011793:Queensland; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C053409:mammary serum antigen, human