Press release issued 1 February 2005 A team of researchers at
the University of Bristol is developing a revolutionary new test
to detect breast cancer at an early stage. If successful, this
test will be effective for women of all ages; given that breast
cancer is the largest killer of women between the ages of 35-55
in Europe, the test could have a dramatic effect on the number
of deaths from this disease. 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 ability to image through dense breast tissue, and
therefore can reach a far wider section of women than X-ray
mammography can. Women below 50 in particular will benefit from
this new test, which is much more reliable t