ECU researchers break new ground in the fight against breast cancer

Researchers from Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) Vario Health Institute (VHI) and the Electron Science Research Institute (ESRI) are working with the developers of a new breast imaging technology to determine if the system can provide a more accurate, user-friendly alternative to traditional scanning techniques.

The Near Infrared Breast Scanner (NIBS) has been developed by a Chinese company, Daheng Group, as an alternative to mammograms and ultra-sound methods for detecting breast cancer. The NIBS is completely painless, has no harmful side effects and can be used repeatedly.

The high resolution imaging enables early screening and diagnosis of breast cancer, and unlike current scanning techniques, the NIBS can be used safely on women with implants, of all ages and regardless of breast size or density.

The team at VHI, led by Professor Rob Newton, are conducting a clinical trial with breast cancer patients in Perth to assess the capabilities of the device and the potential applications. If the trials prove successful, the NIBS could be used in Australia for earlier diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.

ECU has the only two NIBS devices in Australia, and results from the trial will be available early in 2010.

The ECU team were also great supporters of this year's Purple Bra Day with a massive turn out and fund raising effort coinciding with the launch of the NIBS research project.