Friends of ANCHOR has funded a state-of-the-art software upgrade which will improve cancer management for those with breast cancer or suspected tumours.
The local charity paid £19,000 for a software licence which allows a new type of advanced 3D scanning to be carried out.
The cutting-edge technology is in place within the breast symptomatic department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and will benefit around 250 patients a year.
The upgrade allows the existing mammography machine within the radiology department to carry out tomosynthesis-guided biopsy; a relatively new, advanced type of mammography, which makes biopsies more accurate and helps to improve cancer detection.
Dr Gerald Lip, consultant radiologist and clinical director for the North-east Scotland Breast Screening Programme, applied to Friends of ANCHOR for the funding. He said the benefits to the department have been marked since the upgrade was put in place in late 2018.
Dr Lip said: “The 3D breast biopsy software upgrade we received thanks to Friends of ANCHOR has already started to benefit patient management. Some lesions are only seen using this method, so the benefits are significant.”
The new software means X-rays show lesions and calcifications in the breast more clearly than with traditional methods, resulting in reduced repeat biopsies and increased certainty of sampling. The upgrade also allows for more accurate placement of surgical wires which are used to remove cancerous areas of tissue.
Dr Lip added: “Using up-to-date and cutting-edge technology is also a draw in bringing staff to NHS Grampian, who want to work with new systems. Thanks to the funding, Aberdeen is the third site in Scotland now using this particular method, ensuring ARI continues to be in the forefront to the benefit of patients and staff alike.”
Former NHS breast consultant, retired oncologist Andy Hutcheon, is Friends of ANCHOR’s vice chairman and trustee. He said: “As a charity, we are delighted to be able to support the breast symptomatic services at ARI, with the latest software now in use thanks to funding from Friends of ANCHOR. The difference this upgrade has brought to the department is marked, with around 250 patients a year benefitting.”
Left to right: DR Gerald Lip, Dr Daina Greiskalna and Andy Hutcjeon
DR Gerald Lip, Dr Daina Greiskalna and Andy Hutcjeon