Screening Saves Lives

Breakthrough Breast Cancer believes that breast screening is vital as it can detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stages when no other symptoms are obvious.  This is important as the earlier breast cancer is detected the better the chance of successful treatment.

We are campaigning to make sure all eligible women have access to the best possible breast screening services which use the most up-to-date technology.

Digital technology has been replacing photographic film in medical and dental applications for years and breast screening is one of the last areas of imaging in the NHS where film is still routinely used.

Routine breast screening conducted using digital technology differs from the traditional analogue film-screen method as it captures images as a digital computer image instead of on x-ray film.  This technique holds a number of advantages over traditional technology. 

We want the NHSBSP brought firmly into the 21st century and for it to cement its reputation as a world class service.  We believe the full implementation of digital technology is a key building block to do this and will ensure all women in England have access to the highest quality breast screening services. 

With impending changes to NHS organisation and commissioning arrangements with breast screening, it is vital that we push to secure progress for the remaining ‘problem’ areas that have stalled in completing the switchover to digital technology.