General News
2 December, 2024
BreastScreen NSW introduces machine reading technology in an Australian first
BreastScreen NSW is Australia’s first population-based screening program to introduce cutting-edge technology to support radiologists in interpreting a select range of mammography images.
The integration of machine reading technology will ensure BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world-class service, while meeting the needs of NSW’s growing population.
Successfully used in similar international population-based screening programs, BreastScreen NSW undertook a world-first study to extensively evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of this new technology.
The study showed the technology produced comparable results to the existing screening program, without compromising cancer detection rates.
At least one radiologist will continue to read every woman’s image to look for the early stages of breast cancer, with machine reading technology providing additional analysis.
The new technology will complement the expertise of radiologists.
The use of this new technology will have no impact on womens’ breast screening experience.
For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40.
Early detection not only significantly increases a person’s chance of survival it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
“NSW is proud to lead the way in the introduction of cutting-edge technology to ensure the sustainability of the life-saving BreastScreen NSW program," said NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.
“Planning for the needs of our growing population is critical and this is just one of the ways NSW is using new technology to complement and support the capabilities of our highly skilled, but globally in demand workforce.”
“At the same time, reducing the devastating impact of breast cancer on women is a priority and I’d like to thank the BreastScreen NSW team for their world-leading work.”
“In partnership with our expert radiologists, BreastScreen NSW is driving ground-breaking research and innovation that will ensure women have the best chance at detecting and treating cancer in its earliest stages," said Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM.
“By combining the strength of technology with the world-class expertise of our specialist radiologists, machine reading will help support the thousands of women accessing our state’s breast screening services, now and into the future.”
“We have seen record numbers of women book breast screening, with October the biggest month for bookings in the history of the BreastScreen NSW program. There are still far too many people who are overdue for their two-yearly screen and I urge all eligible women to book in their breast screen today.”
“BreastScreen NSW is focused on supporting our expert clinical workforce with the latest technology to facilitate the interpretation of mammograms across NSW, " said BreastScreen Clinical Director Dr Nalini Bhola.
“The rollout of this technology was guided by our radiologists to ensure we maintain our excellent cancer detection rates and BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world-class experience for our clients.”
“We are introducing the technology in a way that will allow close monitoring, to ensure we maintain our excellent standards of clinical quality.”
