Developers of a new government-backed ultrasound technology claim that it could help improve breast cancer diagnoses in women.

Women with significantly denser breast tissue are around six times more likely to develop breast cancer than those with low breast density.

Breast density is currently estimated through mammogram and MRI scans, which means detection is left to healthcare providers, leaving room for error.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is currently developing a new ultrasound technology which delivers quantitative measurements of breast tissue composition and could have a significant impact on breast density assessment.

The government claims the technology could help the more than 700,000 women in the UK living with undetected high breast density, suggesting it could also lead to the earlier detection of breast cancer.

Development of the technology, which can also help monitor response to treatment, is being funded by the Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT).

"While the technology is currently in the research phase, we are encouraged by our in-person results and excited for the technology journey from bench top to bedside," said Daniel Sarno, research scientist at the NPL. "The Knowledge Assets Grant Fund has enabled us to continue to pursue our vision for getting this technology into the market and used by those who can benefit from it."

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