The trial could lead to better detection of cancer

Medical staff and scientists from the University of Aberdeen, Queen Mary College, London, the University of Manchester and South Manchester University Hospitals Trust are taking part in a trial of the new equipment.

The Cadet trial, which is being funded by Cancer Research UK, uses the R2 Technology Image Checker computer to help detect potentially cancerous areas on mammograms.

The computer helps radiologists and radiographers in a similar way to a PC spellchecker by automatically detecting and prompting suspicious areas on mammograms.

Researchers say it acts as a second pair of eyes and could help to make mammogram checks more accurate.

Gold standard

There are only three machines in the country but if trials at Withington Hospital's Nightingale Centre prove successful then the Image Checker could become an integral part of breast cancer screening.

It is hoped the technology could reduce oversights and bring about earlier detection of cancerous lesions - both of which would reduce patient suffering and treatment costs.

Suspicious masses and micro calcifications are indicated by different symbols, sized according to the degree of concern.

Ultimately, it could replace the "gold standard" for breast screening, which involves a mammogram being checked by two expert radiologists or radiographers.

Radiologist shortage

Professor Fiona Gilbert, head of Radiology at the University of Aberdeen said: "Recent enhancements to the NHS breast screening programme, coupled with a natural increase in the eligible screening population, mean that screening volumes are set to increase dramatically.

"There is already a shortage of radiologists and radiographers and in the face of this burgeoning demand and we anticipate problems in delivering the service.

"This prompting technology needs to be examined... as it could potentially provide a solution to the shortage."