Extra Breast Cancer Scans Could Save 700 Lives Annually, UK Study Finds

Additional screening for women with dense breasts could detect more cancers and improve survival rates, according to new research.

The Challenge of Dense Breast Tissue

Mammograms, the standard screening method for breast cancer, are less effective for women with very dense breast tissue—a condition affecting approximately 10% of women. Dense breast tissue appears white on X-rays, which can mask tumours that also show up as white, making early detection more difficult.

New Research Identifies Life-Saving Potential

A UK study by the University of Cambridge, published in The Lancet, examined whether offering enhanced imaging to women with dense breasts could improve detection. The study found that adding extra scans could:

• Detect an additional 3,500 cases of breast cancer per year in the UK.

• Save 700 lives annually through earlier diagnosis and treatment.

How the Study Was Conducted

Researchers studied 9,361 women in the UK who had dense breasts and had previously received a negative mammogram. They were then offered supplementary imaging, which uncovered 85 additional cancers missed by standard screening.

Three different imaging methods were trialled:

• Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) – uses dye to highlight blood vessels.

• Abbreviated MRI (Ab-MRI) – a quicker version of standard MRI scans.

• Automated breast ultrasound (Abus) – scans the breast using sound waves.

Effectiveness of Additional Imaging Methods

The trial found the following cancer detection rates per 1,000 women screened:

• CEM: 19 cancers

• Ab-MRI: 17 cancers

• Abus: 4 cancers

• Standard mammogram (baseline): 8 cancers

Researchers said these additional scans could more than triple cancer detection in women with dense breasts.

National Screening Implications

Prof Fiona Gilbert, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis:

“We need to change our national screening programme so more cancers are diagnosed early, giving many more women a better chance of survival.”

She also noted the global relevance of the findings for countries with breast cancer screening programmes.

Caution Around Overdiagnosis

While the results are promising, researchers stressed that more data is needed to fully understand:

• Whether additional scans reduce mortality.

• The risk of overdiagnosis—detecting cancers that might not have caused harm.

• The cost-effectiveness of adding enhanced scans to standard screening.

Support from Cancer Research UK

The trial was funded by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.

Dr David Crosby from CRUK described the results as “encouraging” and called for further research to confirm the long-term benefits.

Calls for National Screening Reform

Dr Kotryna Temcinaite from Breast Cancer Now urged the UK National Screening Committee to consider the findings:

“Routine screening remains vital. However, we know it’s less effective for dense breasts. This research should inform updates to screening policies.”

Government Response

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged that research on enhanced scans is ongoing within the NHS breast screening programme. A spokesperson confirmed that the UK National Screening Committee is reviewing the emerging evidence.