Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and has one of the highest mortality rates. It is widely accepted that early screening and detection are vital in reducing this number, and to reflect this, the focus of the evening was on the importance of mammograms and to introduce the Hospital’s new generation digital mammography equipment.

Leading radiologist Dr Nick Perry, a world class expert in breast screening and diagnosis, gave a talk at the event as well as taking questions from attending journalists. Amongst many accolades, Nick is Consultant to the European Commission for its Europe Against Cancer Breast Screening Project and helped Member States set up their National Breast Screening programmes, has spoken across North America and has published the first paper in the world linking breast density with urban women.

Together with Dr Nick Perry, King Edward VII’s Imaging Servicing Manager Iain Luscombe, was thrilled to show journalists the Hospital’s innovative digital mammography equipment.

As Iain says: “The Sectra MicroDose Mammography equipment we use here at King Edward VII’s Hospital has the lowest radiation dose available on the market by far, operating at 50% lower radioation than any other equipment. The patient is at the heart of everything King Edward Vii’s Hospital does, and the Sectra mammography equipment means we can offer our patients a safer, more comfortable and faster procedure.”

Dr Nick Perry comments on the importance of digital breast screening: “Getting a high-quality digital mammogram such as this provides one of the best strategies for detecting breast cancer early, and with early detection the number of deaths could be significantly reduced.”