Population breast cancer screening has remained largely unchanged for four decades, despite major medical advances that could significantly improve outcomes for women at higher risk of developing the disease.
Cambridge breast radiologist Professor Fiona Gilbert will explain how a more streamlined approach to cancer screening could be offered in the UK when she gives St John’s College’s 2026 Linacre Lecture, titled Should we move to personalised screening for breast cancer?, on Tuesday 10 February.
St John’s College Linacre Lecture, which began more than 500 years ago, is delivered annually by a world-leading academic in Medical Sciences and is open to all members of the University of Cambridge.
Founded in 1524 by Thomas Linacre (1460-1524) to support public lectures in medicine, it is the oldest medical endowment in the University.
This year’s lecturer Professor Gilbert, who is Professor of Radiology and Head of the Department of Radiology at the University of Cambridge, undertakes assessment of new imaging techniques to improve patient outcomes.
As a breast radiologist she is evaluating risk-based screening and impact of artificial intelligence and novel functional imaging in cancer.
Breast screening in the population was introduced into the UK in 1988 and techniques have barely changed since. Breast cancer gene carriers and those at 50 per cent risk of carrying a mutation are offered annual MRI with mammography.
Women at moderate risk are offered annual mammography between the ages of 40 and 50, while the remaining population are invited every three years for mammography between 50 to 70 years.
Professor Gilbert said: “Since the breast screening programme was started the cost of genetic testing has reduced dramatically. Polygenic risk scores have been developed with risk questionnaires which allow stratification for identifying those at greater likelihood of cancer.
“Advances in imaging such as breast tomosynthesis, whole breast ultrasound and abbreviated MRI together with AI techniques are now available to be offered to women at higher risk or with dense breasts.
“This talk will explore how a more streamlined approach could be offered in the UK.”
The Linacre Lecture will take place on Tuesday 10 February at 5.30pm in the Main Lecture Theatre of the Old Divinity School at St John’s College. It will be followed by a drinks reception in the Central Hall.
Registration is now open for the Linacre Lecture
Early registration is advised as places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Places will be confirmed after registration closes on Tuesday 3 February.
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