Acceptability of radiofrequency assessment of breast density
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Study to determine the Acceptability to patients and NHS staff, of Radiofrequency assessment of Breast Density (Mi~Scan®) in Primary Care and a Community Setting.
IRAS ID
349447
Contact name
Sacha Howell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Breast cancer affects 1 in every 7 women in the UK and is the most common cause of death in women aged 35 to 49 years old. Younger women who are more likely to develop breast cancer may be identified earlier by having a breast cancer risk assessment. This means they could be offered earlier screening and prevention measures to increase their chance of survival. One of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer is called breast density. This is measured using mammograms (breast X-rays) which are used in breast cancer screening. One problem with using mammograms as part of breast cancer screening is that women need to have a second appointment at a specialist centre. However, women in this age group are likely to be employed, have children and other care responsibilities. This presents a barrier to attending screening in this group. \nPrevious research has found that women would prefer risk assessments to be completed in a single appointment. A company called Micrima Ltd. have developed a desktop device to assess breast density. This device offers a painless, simple and quick density score for women without needing a mammogram. In this study, we plan to assess the acceptability of the Mi~Scan® device to patients and healthcare professionals.\nWe will recruit 240 women, aged 30 to 49 years, to undergo the Mi~Scan® breast density assessment and complete a short questionnaire. We will recruit approximately half (i.e. 120) of the women in general practice settings and half (i.e. 120) in community settings. A sub-sample of (up to) 24 women who had the Mi~Scan® procedure will participate in focus groups. \nWe will also conduct interviews with healthcare professionals to explore their views regarding the acceptability of delivering Mi~Scan® breast density assessments in primary care and community settings.\n
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
25/WS/0016
Date of REC Opinion
21 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion