A state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner donated by the charity BUST (Breast Cancer Unit Support Trust) has helped cut MRI scan delays for screening clients and breast cancer patients by contributing to an increase in breast MRI capacity of 40%*(*October-December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023).
Bristol-based charity BUST donated around £2.4 million to purchase and install a Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Vida 3T MRI scanner at NBT’s Cossham Hospital. They aimed to increase capacity for scanning outpatients, prioritising those with breast cancer, prostate cancer and gynaecological cancer.
The scanner is being used for diagnosing breast cancer and monitoring patients undergoing treatment with chemotherapy and is having the planned effect of shortening the overall treatment pathway.
All breast MRI scans for women with newly diagnosed breast cancer at NBT now meet the two week wait timeframe, compared to just over half (53%) meeting the target prior to the BUST MRI scanner installation*.
The scanner is also helping breast imaging researchers work out whether a new type of faster MRI scan called FAST MRI could detect breast cancers earlier for women in their early fifties.
Led by NBT, the FAST MRI DYAMOND study is investigating whether the scan can help with the earlier detection of small but aggressive breast cancers. The study is specifically focused on finding cancers early for women with average breast density in their early 50s. It aims to detect any cancers that may not be picked up routinely by mammograms during a first screening visit.
If you are aged around 50-52 and have just had your first screening mammogram, you may be able to take part in DYAMOND.
The BUST MRI scanner was officially opened by Peaches Golding OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, in January 2024.