Free prostate cancer MRI scans may soon be available in the UK

Free non-invasive prostate cancer screenings using multi-parametric MRI may soon be introduced in the U.K., according to a recent report by BBC News.  

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has supported the imaging technique—which combines up to three different types of scans for a clearer image of the prostate—as being more cost-effective and able to detect more cancers than standard methods.  

A 6,000-signature petition urging for the non-invasive scans to become available across Wales was submitted to the Welsh assembly petitions committee and discussed on Tuesday, Dec. 11, according to BBC.  

So far, the MRI scanning program has been piloted in only three areas of Wales, though campaigners are expecting it to expand and become accessible throughout the country. 

The Welsh Government said health boards were preparing for changes ahead of NICE finalizing guidelines next year, according to BBC.  

See the entire article below.  

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A recent graduate from Dominican University (IL) with a bachelor’s in journalism, Melissa joined TriMed’s Chicago team in 2017 covering all aspects of health imaging. She’s a fan of singing and playing guitar, elephants, a good cup of tea, and her golden retriever Cooper.

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