Today at the start of breast cancer awareness month, a new animation developed by the National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) is raising awareness of the crucial role played by breast imaging specialists in breast cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment and research.
Commenting on the animation, Dr Mary Wilson, Consultant Breast Radiologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Programme Lead for the NBIA said:
“Breast imaging staff are at the very heart of breast cancer services. Breast cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment and research depends on the availability and interpretation of high-quality images of the breast and the specialists who undertake these imaging procedures.”
Dr Wilson added:
“We wanted to highlight the different roles in the breast imaging team to celebrate their contribution to breast cancer services and raise awareness of the varied roles to encourage more people to consider a career in breast imaging.
“The UK is facing a national shortage of breast imaging specialists at a time of rising demand for breast care services, so it is crucial that more people are trained in these vital roles, and we continue to retain our existing staff by providing opportunities for them to upskill”.
The NBIA is dedicated to tackling the pressing workforce issue with a range of initiatives to train the next generation of staff to secure breast cancer services for future generations.
Its programmes include the development of the Mammography Associate apprenticeship, the Breast Clinician Credential in collaboration with the Association of Breast Clinicians, NHS England and the Royal College of Radiologists; the NBIA Radiology Fellowship Programme; and NBIA Academy Online – a national online learning hub developed by and for the breast imaging community.
Commenting on careers in breast imaging, Dr Wilson said:
“There are broad range of breast imaging job opportunities, available at all levels. If you want a worthwhile career that will make a real difference to people’s lives, then breast imaging may be a great option. If you’re deciding on your career, looking for a new direction, or want to develop existing skills, a career in breast imaging could be for you.”
To watch the animation click here and find out more about careers in breast imaging, visit the NBIA website.