New breast screening machine for Medway and Swale women

Thanks to generous donations from the public, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, The Medway Hospital Charity and the Medway League of Friends have been able to fund the purchase of a new Tomosynthesis machine for Breast Care Unit at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Tomosynthesis is a special type of mammogram that is used as a screening tool for early detection of breast cancer by creating a high definition 3D image of the breast. In contrast to a traditional mammogram, which produces a two-dimensional image, the more detailed three-dimensional image produced by the Tomosynthesis machine is clearer and more detailed.

This means that small tumours can be more easily spotted when it is reviewed by cancer specialists. The extra detail also means that detection can be earlier and fewer additional tests will normally be needed.

Jo Palmer, the Chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As Chair of the Trust, I would like to thank The Medway League of Friends and The Medway Hospital Charity for supporting the Trust in purchasing this tomosynthesis machine for the Breast Care Unit.

“The purchase of this machine has meant that we are now able to hit 100 per cent of our breast screening targets, compared to 41 per cent in 2014.

“Thank you to Dr Mohan Velamti, who worked with the Medway League of Friends to arrange the purchase of the machine, as well as all of those who donated funds for it. Your generosity is literally saving lives.”