The technology can see through dense breast tissue which is more reliable than X-rays for women under 50.

It works by using a radar system so women can be regularly tested without the fear of over-exposure to radiation.

"If successful, the test would be effective for women of all ages," Alan Preece, Professor of Medical Physics at the university, said.

Currently, in order to detect cancer at an early stage, which is extremely important for successful treatment, women are dependent on self-examination.

The new test has been designed to be more comfortable than X-rays as it does not involve compressing the breast between plates.

The team hopes this will mean more women are tested regularly.

The research project, led by Dr Ian Craddock from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is funded by the United Bristol Healthcare Trust (UBHT), the University of Bristol's enterprise initiative and the Sulis Seedcorn fund, which recently awarded more than �100,000 to the project.