Early warning

A breast imaging system developed at

is undergoing trials at the

(NBT).

The device has been in development for a number of years and uses radio waves to eliminate radiation risk and improve early detection of cancer.

Similar to conventional radar systems, the technology works by transmitting low energy radio waves and detecting reflected signals. A 3D image is then created by taking four hundred quarter of a second pictures through receivers that are arranged around a ceramic cup, that holds the breast.

So far 60 women have been examined using the system. The entire process is said to take six minutes compared with 30 to 45 minutes for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Researchers claim that the procedure increases comfort and safety with the amount of radiation received during the process equal to using a mobile phone at arms length.

The technology has received support from organisations including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the trustees of the United Bristol Hospitals and Bristol University spin-out company, Micrima.