New cancer detection technology is launched

A groundbreaking new technology designed to discover the early stages of breast cancer has been launched.

The Sure Touch Visual Mapping System is a digital sensing device that gives doctors the opportunity to detect malignant tumours by scanning the breast tissue.

Dr Graeme Langford from the Gold Coast Breast Centre said the machine is picking up abnormalities in a breast which equates picking up lumps in a breast that you may not be able to feel.

‘Sure Touch’ is totally different to an ultra sound and totally different to a mammogram from what it actually detects,” he said.

However, there are mixed opinions about the procedure.

Dr Phillip Morris from the Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health said it is certainly not a replacement for mammography and breast screening.

“It’s an adjunct that will help support mammogram.”

Unlike a mammogram the ‘Sure Touch’ procedure is completely pain free and don’t expose the breast to any radiation.So the simple and quick scan might be a good option for women who have had a mammogram and felt pain and don’t like radiation. But we are warned.

“Women should continue to have their mammograms according to the current protocols,” said Dr Morris.

“My sense is that it will always be a supplement to mammography but it will not take over.”

“We are not trying to compete with a mammogram, it’s an additive investigation,” Dr Langford said.

“It’s another option and another breakthrough.”

“The Sure Touch Visual Mapping System is developed in the US and approved by Australia’s Therapeutic goods administration.

The procedure is available at four clinics at the Gold Coast.

~ by lindahausken on March 25, 2009.