A new technology to detect breast cancer at the early stage has been installed at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCI&RC). This technology would take multiple breast images within seconds to aid early detection of cancer, especially in dense breasts. The computer then produces 3D images of the breast tissue in one-millimetre layers. Dr A.K. Chaturvedi, director radiology at RGCI&RC, said, “Digital breast tomosynthesis is a step forward in breast cancer detection, which can help spot cancers in dense breasts as the breast is virtually sliced into multiple images in this imaging procedure. The X-ray arm sweeps an arc over the breast to capture 30-40 images of each breast. The number of biopsies is drastically reduced as compared to after a mammography and the images are acquired in a single compression.” The conventional monogram technology delivers a two-dimensional image of the breasts that is then followed by continual investigation and at times unnecessary biopsies. Especially in the case of breasts with higher density, that are composed of pockets of dense tissues surrounded by fat, overlapping of tissues makes it critical to judge the tiny spots called micro calcifications and other subtle signs of early cancer. “In Indian metro cities, breasts cancer appears to be the most widespread cancer among women, even leaving behind cervical cancer. Digital breast tomosynthesis is a technology that can turn around this situation as it reduces the investigation time and therefore treatment can be started early,” Dr Chaturvedi added. The rising cases of breast cancer diagnosis in young women is a cause of concern. Late pregnancies, reduced breast-feeding and changed lifestyle are some of the prominent factors that make women more prone to breast cancer