LSU Scientists Map Breast Density to Improve Early Detection and Reduce Cancer Screening Risks
October 31, 2025
Higher breast density can increase cancer risk and make tumors harder to spot on a mammogram. But mammograms today describe density using broad categories that rely on a radiologist’s estimate.
Joyoni Dey
A team led by Joyoni Dey, associate professor in LSU’s Department of Physics & Astronomy, has been working to replace that subjectivity with physics-based methods that produce precise measurements that help doctors better assess cancer risk.
A “maximum-likelihood” computer algorithm created by then-graduate-student Bryce Smith creates a detailed map to show how much dense tissue is present in the breast, in a process called glandular fraction estimation. Smith is now a medical physicist at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
As part of her master's degree studies under Dey, Lacey Medlock, now a PhD student at LSU, was able to use those maps with computer simulations to calculate the radiation each patient receives during a mammogram. Dey said an added discovery was that these density maps may also make it easier to spot tiny calcium deposits that can signal very early stages of breast cancer.
This approach to screenings would give doctors a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer, Dey said.
“It would enable radiologists to access quantitative density maps alongside conventional images, enhancing lesion visibility and risk assessment,” she said. “For patients, it means more accurate reporting of breast density and individualized radiation-dose estimates—leading to optimized screening protocols.”
Both studies were conducted in collaboration with the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
“We were fortunate to have medical physicists Dr. Krystal Kirby and Dr. David Solis as clinical collaborators, who helped us navigate the clinical aspects of breast imaging and provided valuable clinical feedback throughout the project,” Dey said.
Clinical Trials
Kirby said she was pleased to take part in Dey’s project to find a better way to calculate glandular fraction. As an imaging physicist at Mary Bird Perkins, Kirby knows the challenges with breast cancer screenings to administer the right amount of radiation dose to get a clear image, but no more than necessary.
“Clinical input is essential in projects like this, because it ensures the science translates into safer, more practical ways to care for patients.”
Dr. Krystal Kirby, imaging physicist at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
The team at Mary Bird Perkins brought a clinical perspective to how mammography is performed day to day, allowing them to use research methods that reflect real-world imaging practices, she said.
“Clinical input is essential in projects like this, because it ensures the science translates into safer, more practical ways to care for patients.”
The goal is to one day apply the results of this research to clinics serving the general public.
“If this new approach proves accurate, it could give us a much clearer picture of the true radiation dose each patient receives during a mammogram,” Kirby said. “That means we could personalize dose tracking, improve safety standards, and better understand how small differences in tissue composition affect both dose and cancer detection.”
What’s Next?
The team plans to expand these physics-based methods to 3D mammography, which provides a more complete picture of breast tissue, Dey said. They’re also exploring ways to combine the technology with artificial intelligence so breast density and dose can be measured automatically and quickly.
Another promising area of research involves using a technique called X-ray interferometry to better classify tiny calcium deposits, which could improve early cancer detection and reduce false positives beyond standard mammograms.
“Over time, this (research) could help optimize screening guidelines and make breast imaging even safer and more consistent for all patients.”
Next Step
LSU's Scholarship First Agenda is helping achieve health, prosperity, and security for Louisiana and the world.