Breast Cancer Care: Comment on research published in the New England Journal of Science

Comment on research published in the New England Journal of Science, from Cancer Research UK which claims that a single mammogram reader using Computer Aided Detection (CAD) can be as effective as the two readers traditionally used in the UK.

Maria Leadbeater, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“This is an extremely interesting paper that demonstrates how the use of Computer Aided Detection could make the process of reading and interpreting mammograms more efficient. However, if this system is to be implemented in clinical practice, it would have to be closely monitored to ensure that the current quality of service provided by two human readers is not impaired.

“We know from supporting women with breast cancer or breast health concerns that delays in access to routine screening can cause great anxiety. Any measures which could reduce these delays would be very welcome.

“We hope the potential benefits of this research will be explored. In the meantime, the NHS Breast Screening Programme must ensure that the government’s pledge to extend the screening programme to include women aged 47 -73 by 2012 is met.

“As well as accepting regular invitations to routine screening, it is vital that all women remain breast aware throughout their lives.”

ENDS

Breast Cancer Care’s free publication, ‘Breast cancer risk – what it means for you’ is available from www.breastcancercare.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 6000.

For further media information, please contact

Laura Grossart
0207 960 3473/0770 290 1334
laurag@breastcancercare.org.uk