Local MP Aphra Brandreth has welcomed a substantial investment in breast cancer diagnostics at Nuffield Health Chester, the Grosvenor Hospital, calling it an important step towards improving early detection and access to care for women in the region.
The announcement comes as new research reveals that nearly 1 in 10 women in the North West have avoided breast screening despite noticing a lump or abnormality.
Across the UK, more than 1 in 10 (12%) women reported the same, with 40% of those who’ve had a mammogram describing it as painful.
Anxiety (26%) and fear of discomfort (15%) were also common reasons for avoiding screening.
Overcome barriers
In response, Nuffield Health Chester is raising awareness of how new 3D mammography technology is helping overcome these barriers.
The hospital, which supports NHS and private patients across the North West and North Wales, has invested in the Senographe Pristina from GE HealthCare - a new imaging system designed for greater comfort, improved accuracy and faster diagnosis.
The new system uses the same low radiation dose as a traditional 2D mammogram but provides enhanced 3D clarity.
It also adapts to the patient’s body to reduce discomfort and allows 3D image-guided biopsies during the same appointment - helping reduce the number of follow-up visits and speeding up diagnosis.
This investment is part of a £200 million collaboration with GE HealthCare, aimed at transforming diagnostics across Nuffield Health’s UK hospital network through the adoption of AI-enabled imaging technology.
’A real step forward’
Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester, said: “I really welcome this investment in breast screening at Nuffield Health Chester.
“Early detection is critical in the fight against breast cancer, and this additional capacity is a real step forward.
“It’s deeply concerning that so many women avoid screenings, but after seeing the new technology and speaking with the team here today, the message is clear: breast screening is now more comfortable, more accurate, and more accessible than ever. It could save your life.”
Viki Williams, Hospital Director at The Grosvenor Hospital, added: “This is a major step forward in women’s health.
“By making screening more comfortable and less intimidating, we hope to break down some of the key barriers to attendance.
“With NHS waiting lists under pressure, we’re proud to support with additional capacity and faster access to care.”
Rising survival rates
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, with a woman diagnosed every 10 minutes.
While survival rates have doubled in 50 years thanks to earlier detection and improved treatment, screening uptake has fallen, with only 64.6% of eligible women attending NHS screenings in 2022–23.
Book your breast screening now
For further information and to book a breast screening, see www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/chester