AUSTRALIAN women could be tested for breast cancer through the strands of their hair using a new screening method later this year.

Pending a satisfactory completion of its final trial, Australian company Fermiscan is aiming to begin commercial trials of the revolutionary non-invasive breast cancer test.

Managing director David Young hopes women will be able to use the world-first test, costing $249, with a visit to a pathology collection laboratory.

Cutting-edge X-ray technology is used to test 10 strands of hair cut close to the scalp. Australian scientist Dr Veronica James discovered that breast cancer changes the molecular structure of hair.

"The Fermiscan test potentially offers significant benefits for women's health in the fight against breast cancer, as it is non-invasive and suitable for women of all ages," Mr Young said.
 

"Certainly, it is picking up very early-stage cancers.

"The trial is a validation trial being run to ensure we and the medical community are happy with the accuracy of the test and on the assumption that it remains broadly in line with where it is to date we will roll out the commercial pilot."

The company last week won the G'Day USA Australia Innovation Shoot Out competition in New York.

Finalists were chosen for their innovative technology and potential for commercial success in the US market.

The company expects results mid-year from the 2000-patient Australian trial involving women who have been referred for a mammogram.

Early results of about 800 women released in December showed an 80 per cent accuracy rate and small early-stage cancers were detected.

It is a particularly welcome development for young women, whose breast tissue is denser, meaning tumours can go undetected using traditional screening.

The company said mammograms could be uncomfortable and painful and were not recommended for women under the age of 50.

In Australia, figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show 2600 women died from breast cancer in 2007, while 13,000 were diagnosed.