Brits could benefit from two-part breast cancer screening

Annual breast cancer screening that involves both mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may help improve the life expectancy of high risk women, a new study suggests.

This form of combined screening has proven effective at detecting early stage cancers in women over the age of 25, according to a report published in the journal Radiology.

Lead researcher, radiologist Dr Janie Lee said: "For women at the highest risk of breast cancer, using both breast MRI and mammography together for screening will likely reduce their chances of dying from breast cancer and help them live longer, healthier lives."

The findings stated that mammography – the current standard for breast cancer screening – detects fewer than half of tumours in younger women with an increased genetic risk. However, MRI scanning is more time consuming and expensive.

At present in the UK, women aged 50 and above are invited to attend NHS breast screening every three years until the age of 70.

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