This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Lower risk better off not screening for breast cancer
Researchers at University College London have claimed that women who are at lower risk of breast cancer would be better off not being invited for NHS screening.
Suggesting that screening for breast cancer according to risk would reduce the number of women who are put through unnecessary tests and treatment, the research says that this would still limit an increase in the number of patients who are missed.
At present, only 72 per cent of women invited to breast screening actually attend. UCL state that selective screening would do more good than harm, reducing over-diagnosis and stress to women and proving more cost-effective for the NHS.
Researchers say that genetic testing and informing each women of her individual risk could result in just the 70 per cent at highest risk being screened, while the low risk 30 per cent are not given an invitation to have a mammogram every three years as they are now. The screening of risk is currently only in relation to age.
Routine genetic testing is expected to begin in the NHS this autumn, with hospitals being connected to specialist centres that can interpret the DNA tests given to patients from October.
Latest News
16/02/2024 - 12:56
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.
16/02/2024 - 10:44
Two million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan according to new NHS data.
15/02/2024 - 10:26
The Welsh Government has provided innovation funding of £380,000 to support two projects utilising technology in domiciliary care.
15/02/2024 - 10:13
The new Scottish health secretary has met with frontline staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
14/02/2024 - 10:27
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed three new Executive Directors to the Trust Board.
Product Features
UK Building Regulations highlight toxic gas and smoke from layers of paint built up over multiple redecorations as a major cause of permanent ill health or death in a building fire.
Their concern rose with discovery the flame retardant paints most widely used paint along escape routes have been ones which to this day counter-productively use emission of heavy toxic gas to smother flames which rapidly spread along walls if layers of paint delaminate in a fire.
Supplier Profiles
Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients
Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho
Latest Features
Sarah Greenslade, public affairs and communications officer at the British Parking Association looks at some of the problems and innovations in healthcare parking
It’s easy to assume that the comms team is there to handle press enquiries and the occasional social media storm – but the reality is that strategic communications can make a measurable impact across the entire organisation, from operational to financial, when done properly
