Having been contacted by a constituent who had lobular breast cancer undetected by a mammography, the MP asked whether the Department had considered the merits of introducing a supplemental ultrasound breast screening examination as part of the NHS breast screening programme.
In reply, Mr Burstow said: "The answer is no. Mammography is the only screening modality that has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer, and is supported and promoted by the World Health Organisation's international agency for research on cancer. Ultrasound screening may be used within the breast screening programme as part of the triple assessment process.
Following up, Steve made the point that some forms of cancer are more difficult to detect with a mammogram than others, and asked Mr Burstow if he could clarify exactly what guidance his Department issues to primary care trusts on the use of ultrasound screening as part of the triple assessment process?
Mr Burstow replied: "The Department does not issue guidance, but the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence does. Its guidance on improving outcomes in breast cancer states that mammography and ultrasound imaging should be available in breast clinics as part of the triple assessment of women with suspected breast cancer.
"In addition, the guidance states that ultrasound is useful in predicting tumour size and in planning surgery, and that it can complement mammography in differentiating malignant and benign disease. That guidance is the key tool used in making such decisions."
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View the full exchange at http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2011-06-07b.13.2