In Brief

Extract

Fewer Mammography Facilities May Cause Access Problems In The Future, Experts Say

The number of mammography facilities decreased worldwide between 2001 and 2004, often for financial reasons, a study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office reports.

Mammography can detect small, early-stage breast cancer, and regular assessment may reduce breast cancer deaths. The number of women getting mammograms increased between 2000 and 2003; however, the number of mammography facilities, radiologic technologists, and physicians who could interpret results decreased between 2001 and 2004. The government's experts suggest that the nation currently has adequate facilities for the number of patients who need treatment, but a declining number of personnel in the field may cause problems in the future.

Canine Cancer Linked to Ancient Virus

A common canine cancer has been linked to a lone Siberian wolf or dog that carried a tumor-producing virus more than 250 years ago.

A team of scientists led by Robin Weiss, M.D., Ph.D., of the University College London, conducted forensic DNA tests on certain venereal tumors, called canine transmissible venereal tumors, in 16 dogs and 40 samples archived on five continents. They discovered that each of the tumors was genetically different from the infected dog.