Singing radiologist pens song to clear up confusion about breast cancer screening recs

A singing radiologist is combining her love of music and art with her passion for advocating for women’s health in her new song “End the Confusion.” 

Dana Ataya, MD, is a breast radiologist who practices at Florida-based Moffitt Cancer Center’s Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology. Ataya recently wrote a song to address some of the confusion surrounding changing breast cancer screening recommendations. 

Inspired by the Society of Breast Imaging’s “End the Confusion” campaign, Ataya turned the latest cancer screening recs of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) into lyrics and put them to a melody.  

“The inspiration for this song was to offer clarity and end the confusion about breast cancer screening. Average risk women should begin annual screening with mammography beginning at age 40 and continue as long as they are in good health,” Ataya said. 

In April, the USPSTF released its updated cancer screening guidelines, recommending that all women at average risk of breast cancer undergo screening mammograms every other year starting at 40. Many applauded the age change from 50 to 40, though some organizations, such as the American College of Radiology, endorse yearly, rather than biennial screening, for women at average risk of breast cancer.  

Ataya, who recorded an entire album of tracks while she was in medical school, is backed by Moffitt’s band, The ReMissions. Patrick Hwu, MD, a tumor immunologist, recruited members of the band after taking on the roles of president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center. The entire band, in addition to patient advocates, imaging staff and volunteers, are featured in the “End the Confusion” music video. 

Two versions of the song (band and acoustic) are available on most music streaming platforms. The music video can be found here.