Following the successful rollout of machine reading technology 12 months ago, BreastScreen NSW is expanding use to include mammography images of all first-time screeners.
The technology - initially used to read selected images from women aged 50-59 - has significantly reduced call backs for further tests, reducing stress for women, without compromising cancer detection rates.
By the end of 2025, it's predicted that as a direct result of the technology's accuracy, around 500, or 20 per cent fewer women, will be asked to return for additional tests, which can include a breast ultrasound and a needle biopsy.
Since the technology was introduced, it's read more than 19,000 images and detected more than 130 cancers.
BreastScreen NSW was Australia's first population-based screening program to introduce the cutting-edge technology to support radiologists in interpreting a select range of mammography images.
At least one radiologist continues to read every woman's image to look for the early stages of breast cancer, with machine reading technology providing additional analysis.
The technology is ensuring BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world class service, while meeting the needs of NSW's growing population.
Successfully used in similar international population-based screening programs, BreastScreen NSW undertook a world-first study to extensively evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of this new technology prior to its implementation.
The study showed the technology produced comparable results to the existing screening program, without compromising cancer detection rates.
For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early - before it can be seen or felt. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40.
Early detection not only significantly increases a person's chance of survival, it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
