Micrima

“Compared to current methods Micrima's new screening technology can detect breast cancer at every stage and create a better image through even very dense tissue” said chief executive Roy Johnson. “The significant early-stage funding from business angles and the SULIS seedcorn fund is a major step towards making this new screening programme available to women.”

The test, which utilises an innovative radar system, will enable women to be tested regularly without the fear of over-exposure to radiation, a problem with existing X-ray tests.  Currently, in order to detect cancer at an early stage – which is extremely important for successful treatment – many women are dependent on self-examination which can prove unreliable.

This latest technology has the potential to image through dense breast tissue, and therefore can reach a far wider section of women than X-ray mammography can.  For some women, traditional mammography can be uncomfortable, creating a disincentive to go for regular screenings.  Micrima’s screening devices do not require breast compression, making the whole process more comfortable.  Breast compression for testing also can create an artificially denser tissue, making detection of small tumours more challenging.

Women below 50 in particular stand to benefit from the new test, since X-rays are less reliable in detecting cancer in this age group.  Breast cancer is the largest killer of women between the ages of 35-55 in Europe.
 
Alan Preece, Professor of Medical Physics at the University of Bristol and one of the lead scientists on this project, said “Breast cancer is one of the biggest killers that women currently face.  Each year, there are over 41,000 new cases in the UK alone.  We are very excited about this new technology and are pleased that our research findings at the University of Bristol may benefit so many women’s futures.”

Note
This research at the University of Bristol is led by Dr Ian Craddock from the department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Alan Preece, Professor of Medical Physics.