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New research from Eastern Health pilot study has provided greater detection results when screening for breast cancer.

New 3D Breast Screening results show an increase in cancer detection when compared to current 2D mammography in a group of 10,000 women according to data released today.

Eastern Health’s Maroondah BreastScreen ran a pilot trial of 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) which showed breast cancer detection increased by almost 50% compared to standard mammography.

These Australian first findings, published in the Medical Journal of Australia today, could form the basis of a large scale comparative evaluation of 3D mammography for breast screening in Australia.

Dr Darren Lockie, Principal Clinical Lead at Maroondah BreastScreen Eastern Health, worked in collaboration with the Principal Research Investigator, Professor Nehmat Houssami from the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health.

More than 10,000 eligible women attending the Eastern Health Breast and Cancer Centre were invited to participate in the trial, which is the first Australian study of this type.

“It’s very exciting to have these findings, which could form the basis of larger, national studies.” Dr Lockie said. “It’s a great first step to show this research is feasible in the Australian breast screening setting, and it could lead to improvements in outcomes for women diagnosed with breast cancer.”

The study was funded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The Eastern Health Foundation secured significant contributions from Shades of Pink and other generous donors towards the implementation of the study in the Breast and Cancer Centre.

“We are extremely grateful to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Shades of Pink for their support, this is a fantastic step forward for breast cancer detection and treatment, and would not be possible without their contributions.” Dr Lockie said.

Media contact: Ben Davies – Director of Communications, Eastern Health – 0437 168 700