2011 is over. So over. Personally, I'm excited about the clean slate that is 2012. It even sounds better-twenty twelve is easier to say that twenty eleven. I hope that sets the tone for the year; easier!

In reviewing the mammographic world of 2011, several noteworthy things happened. On the plus side, Hologic 3-D digital mammography received FDA approval in February. The full benefit of this technology is yet to be seen. Is it the greatest invention since indoor plumbing, or another flash-in-the-pan?  Stay tuned--the next year should tell.

In less happy news, the event that MedPage Today readers ranked the number one medical story of 2011 (namely the change in cancer screening guidelines, calling for less frequency of mammography starting at later ages) affected women everywhere, and is expected to cause delayed diagnosis and treatment nationally. Several organizations, the American Cancer Society among them, came out against the guidelines, but they have not been rescinded to date.  

Also, reported in RSNA News (October-November 2011 issue), a study by the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) stated that Computer Aided Detection (CAD) "appears to increase recall rates with little or no impact on cancer detection rates." We couldn't win in 2011!

But, it's over. On to the next page. Some "One to Watch" technologies for 2012--will they soar, or merely hover? Keep an eye on the following:

• 3-D mammography-AKA tomosynthesis
• Digital whole-breast ultrasound
• Elastography
• Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI)
• Positron Emission Mammography (PEM)
• 3T breast MRI

I wonder what will make the Recap and One To Watch lists at the end of 2012? Your input is solicited--what do you think? sandra.mueller@ahss.org

Sandy Mueller, BA, RT(R)(M), RDMS, is technical manager of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital's Outpatient Imaging Centers in suburban Chicago.