New technology helping cancer patients avoid more surgery

A new laser scanner is being used in Australian hospitals to check breast tissue during surgery, producing detailed images in 15 minutes instead of five to seven days. The technology allows surgeons to immediately detect any remaining cancer cells and perform additional tissue removal during the same operation. Studies in Europe show the scanner can reduce the need for repeat breast-conserving surgeries by more than half, affecting around one in four women who currently require second operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.