Bristol is at the forefront of a major step forward in women’s health, as the UK’s first breast density scanning clinic opens in the city, addressing a hidden breast cancer risk affecting millions of women.
Developed by Bristol-based health tech company Micrima, the clinic will offer women access to breast density measurement using its Mi~Scan® technology, following regulatory approval for rollout in the UK.
Micrima’s research published today shows that nearly nine in ten (88%) women in the UK are unaware of their breast density, and 53% don’t know it can affect how easily cancer is detected, despite dense breast tissue affecting around 40% of women over 40.
Clinical evidence also shows dense breast tissue can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer, yet density is not routinely assessed in current testing programmes, leaving many women without crucial information on their risk.
Improving awareness and access to non-invasive assessment could support earlier diagnosis, aligning with the NHS’s recently announced focus on early detection and innovation in its National Cancer Plan for England.
This underpins Micrima’s “know your normal” mission, which aims to help women understand their own bodies, measure and track their breast density, and be able to make more informed health decisions over time.
“For too long, breast density has been an unknown for many women, despite the role it can play in both cancer risk and detection,” said Adrian Waller, CEO of Micrima. “Our aim is to give women access to clear, personalised information so they can better understand their own breast health and make informed decisions with confidence.”
The technology behind the clinic
Developed in Bristol, Micrima’s Mi~Scan® technology powers the new clinic, offering a non-invasive, radiation-free way to measure and monitor breast density, and provide women with clear, personalised insight into their breast tissue.
The scan itself takes just a few minutes and is designed to be quick and comfortable, with no compression or radiation. Results are provided in an easy-to-understand report, giving women a clear picture of their breast density and how it may impact their individual risk.
Flora Beverley of Flora Fitness and Micrima Brand Ambassador said: “I recently went for my first Micrima scan and found it very informative. With some recent family events, I was interested in learning more about my own risk of developing breast cancer. I wasn't worried, but wanted to know my baseline so I feel better informed down the line. I learned a lot, and have a better picture of my risks. Early detection is obviously key, so I hope more women pick up the opportunity to understand more about themselves.”
Briony May Williams, Chef and presenter and local Bristol advocate for Micrima said: “My Mi~Scan® screening was a positive experience from start to finish. The staff were so welcoming and made me feel comfortable straight away. The scan itself was unobtrusive and there was absolutely no discomfort. I got my results instantly and it’s been a wonderful reassurance about my future risks of breast cancer.”
The technology has recently received regulatory approval in Europe, marking a significant step towards wider clinical use. It has been evaluated through UK-based clinical trials and community studies, supported by NHS Trusts and university researchers in Manchester and Leeds, contributing to a growing evidence base for breast density measurement.
Bristol launch marks first step in widening access
The Bristol clinic officially opens today with an event attended by key healthcare stakeholders in the Bristol area. Women in Bristol and the Southwest can now sign up for a breast density scan, with a limited number of free appointments available during the initial launch period. All visitors will also receive practical guidance to help them better understand their breast health, monitor changes over time, and “know their normal”.
Micrima plans to expand access over the next 12–24 months through additional clinic locations, as well as partnerships with healthcare providers and employers, with the ambition of making breast density measurement more widely available across Europe and countries that accept European regulated medical devices, starting first with the UK.
You can find out more and sign up for a scan here.
