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University of Bristol (UB) Professors Alan Preece and Dr. Ian Craddock are developing a device which uses radio waves to detect breast cancer that are unlike conventional mammograms which use radiation.

The pair, who spent the last five years accomplishing the prototype, have received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the trustees of the United Bristol Hospitals and the University of Bristol spin-out company, Micrima Ltd.

The new imaging technique works by transmitting very low energy radio waves. Dr. Craddock explains, "The system detects reflected signals, then uses these signals to make a 3D image of the breast. This is basically the same as any radar system, such as the radars used for air traffic control at airports."

Different angles of the breast are viewed with the system using transmitters and receivers that are arranged around a ceramic cup in which the breast sits. The initial stages of the study used mammogram images to compare similar abnormalities in the new 3D image produced from the radar breast imaging system.

A six-minute 3D image
Compared to a conventional MRI breast screening which can take up to 45 minutes, radar screening is reported to take only six minutes for both breasts and provides no physical sensation. The team equates the experience to the same type of radiation exposure as speaking on a cell phone.

"Women love it as they compare it to a mammogram and find the whole experience much more comfortable," Craddock said.

Professor Preece, from UB's Medical Physics, looked at breast tumor imaging in 1990 using a hand held scanner similar to ultrasound. However, he felt that that device did not have enough sensitivity. "That's when I got to know some people in engineering and together we approached the EPSRC to help," he said.

The team is working with North Bristol NHS Trust during the trial. Next steps include performing a blind test and continuing the trials. Their hope is that two new prototypes will be made and deployed to further hospitals around the country.