Utrecht’s teaching hospital UMC has begun testing two new types of breast cancer screening to see if they improve detection rates in women with dense breast tissue.

Around four in 10 tumours in women with dense tissue go unnoticed because they are difficult to see on a regular mammogram.

Around 8% of women aged between 50 and 75, the group covered by the national screening programme, are at risk because of their tissue density.

Technological advances mean researchers can now make 3D mammograms with MRI scanners, but the procedure is too expensive to use for routine screenings.

The UMC is trialling two alternative methods: a short five-minute MRI scan and a so-called contrast scan, a 2D scan combined with a contrasting fluid injected into the patient beforehand which makes potential tumours more visible.

Less severe treatment

Wouter Veldhuis, radiologist at the UMC, told NOS: “Our initial research has shown us exactly which MRI images we need to detect possible tumours.

“We are also looking at whether mammograms can be made much better with contrasting fluids.”

Early tests have been encouraging, Veldhuis added, raising hopes that the new procedures will mean more tumours are spotted at an earlier stage.

“Finding a tumour earlier means the treatment is much less extensive and you might be able to save the breast or avoid chemotherapy,” he said.

“That’s very good news for the woman first of all, but also for society because the cost is lower.”