The researchers at the University of New England (UNE) are developing new tools to diagnose breast cancer. This facilitates diagnosis of breast cancer with fewer biopsies and less exposure to x-rays. The technique called "Small-angle x-ray scattering" developed by Greg Falzon.
Features of Small angle x-ray scattering
a. The technique can diagnose breast cancer with a success rate of 95%. The conventional techniques has success rates between 70-90%.
b. The new diagnostic tools are combination of physical and statistical techniques.
c. With this the exposure time to x-rays is reduced to 45-seconds from the 1-hour required currently.
d. The technique fulfills the need for a secondary screening procedure so that, when a suspicious lesion is found on a mammogram, the lesion can be assessed and a decision made on whether a biopsy should be performed. or not.
PHOTOGRAPH shows (from left) Dr Bob Murison, Caro-Anne Badcock, Greg Falzon, and Dr Sarah Pearson