Advancing breast cancer detection through patient empowerment and AI
Bayer emphasises the crucial need for patient education about breast density as a cancer risk factor and advocates for supplemental screening options, with a focus on MRI for women with extremely dense breasts.
A media event hosted by Bayer at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2025 in Vienna has highlighted the critical importance of patient education and empowerment in improving breast cancer outcomes, particularly for women with dense breast tissue. The event brought together medical experts and patient advocates to discuss how advances in imaging technology and artificial intelligence, coupled with greater patient involvement, could significantly enhance early detection rates.
Breast density and personalised screening – infographic
See: Bayer’s Infographic on personalised breast imaging
Breast density awareness gap
Despite being a well-established risk factor for breast cancer within the medical community, research conducted by Bayer’s radiology team revealed that only 31 percent of study participants were aware of breast density as a risk factor. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning as breast density significantly reduces the sensitivity of standard mammography screening.
“In the medical field, breast density is a well-known risk factor for breast cancer, however, in a study the radiology team at Bayer recently conducted, we found that only 31 percent of participants were aware of this,” explained Dr. Peter Seidensticker, Global Head of Medical Affairs, Bayer Radiology.
The issue is particularly relevant considering the global impact of breast cancer. In 2022 alone, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease worldwide, with 670,000 deaths recorded according to World Health Organization data cited at the event.
Dr. Seidensticker emphasised that dense breast tissue can mask tumours on standard mammograms, potentially leading to missed diagnoses. “To outsmart breast cancer, we need to activate those at particular risk with knowledge about supplemental screening options, such as breast MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography using contrast agents to improve the visualization of potential lesions,” he stated.
Evidence-based supplemental screening
For the estimated 10 percent of women with extremely dense breasts, the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) recommends supplemental breast MRI screening. This recommendation is supported by findings from the DENSE trial, a multicenter, randomised, controlled study backed by Bayer, which demonstrated superior detection rates with supplemental MRI compared to mammography alone.
Bayer is currently supporting the ongoing DENSE-2 trial, which is evaluating various supplemental screening approaches for women with extremely dense breast tissue. In addition to research support, the company is driving educational initiatives to increase awareness of these screening options.
The vital patient perspective
Caroline Justich, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at age 39 in 2016, provided a compelling patient perspective at the event. Her experience led her to establish “Be accepted,” an information forum designed to empower cancer patients.
“I know first-hand the shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis and the roller-coaster ride that follows,” recalled Justich, who also chairs the European Society of Radiology Patient Advisory Group (ESR-PAG). “Whether it’s about cancer screening, detection or monitoring, the most powerful tool that we have is knowledge.”
Prof. Michael Fuchsjäger, President of EUSOBI and Professor of Radiology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, emphasised the crucial role radiologists play in patient care. “As radiologists, we’re the entry point to care and a guide to treatment and potentially even recovery,” he said, noting the increasing trend toward direct patient engagement.
“Our work practices are adapted to increasing direct patient engagement, whether face to face or through our digital reports. Meeting this growing expectation will enhance the lives of both patients and radiologists, and add significant value to the services we deliver,” Prof. Fuchsjäger added.
Artificial intelligence in breast imaging
Dr. Silvia Pérez Rodrigo, Head of the Breast Imaging Department at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Madrid, provided insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming breast imaging. AI-enabled software solutions are being integrated into various aspects of breast imaging, from routine mammography screening to diagnostic ultrasound.
“In our case, we use software which, by providing two images and clicking on each of them, gives us the level of suspicion associated with those images,” Dr. Pérez Rodrigo explained. She added that AI applications are also beginning to contribute to risk prediction. “It is also starting to be used for risk prediction, because, given that the software is fed by many images that we have previously given it, it analyses a mammogram and can calculate the approximate risk of that patient developing breast cancer in the next five years.”
Collaborative approach to improved outcomes
Nelson Ambrogio, President of Radiology at Bayer, summarised the company’s commitment to advancing medical imaging innovations whilst incorporating patient perspectives.
“Bayer is committed to delivering the next generation of medical imaging innovations and including the patient perspective along the way. Let’s work collaboratively to further enhance the impact that radiology can have in the healthcare continuum. Together, we can drive better outcomes by advancing science and empowering patients – because everyone deserves clear answers about their health,” he concluded.
With radiology products generating approximately €2 billion in sales in 2023, Bayer continues to invest in research and development, with a particular focus on leveraging AI and driving innovation in medical imaging.
