Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and early detection is key to better outcomes. The British company Microma has introduced a non-invasive pre-screening that measures breast tissue density and helps choose the appropriate imaging method. It is not a replacement for mammography, but a tool that complements it and makes decision-making accessible to women of all ages.
Why mammography isn't enough for everyone
Mammography is the standard today, but it runs into two fundamental limitations. Dense breast tissue can impede the penetration of X-rays and reduce the sensitivity of the exam. At the same time, it cannot be repeated too often, precisely because of the radiation. The uncomfortable compression during the exam is another barrier, and screening is usually recommended only after the age of forty.
Tissue density affects not only visibility but also the strategy for further examinations. Physicians need a fast, reliable, and repeatable way to measure density and, based on that, choose the right "imaging" pathway. Pre-screening measurement can thus save time and reduce the number of inappropriately chosen examinations.
A new method for measuring density
Microma's solution is non-invasive, painless, fast, and easy to use; the exam does not require the presence of a radiographer. The device measures the entire breast at hundreds of frequency points, creating a density map across the tissue. It is suitable for all tissue types and for women of any age.
In practice, it is a compact unit in which calipers move around the breast, capturing individual measurement readings. The output is an exact density value aligned with the BI-RADS scale used by radiologists worldwide. This ensures that the results are clear and comparable across clinical practice.
From measurement to risk and long-term monitoring
The measurement is followed by a scoring tool that combines density with personal and family history and selected lifestyle factors. It uses pre-validated risk models and creates a profile that helps physicians determine the next steps. The result is a clear report for the clinician and the patient. It makes it easier to decide whether monitoring is sufficient or whether other imaging methods should be added.
Since the measurement does not use radiation, it can be safely repeated at short intervals. Doctors can thus track changes in density over time and catch warning signs more quickly. According to the company, the solution is pre-market, has submitted applications for regulatory approval, and plans its first deliveries in the autumn, first in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
