TENS of thousands of women, and men, are set to benefit from a service which will improve breast cancer diagnoses.

However, the news means little for Bolton and that's because thousands of patients at Royal Bolton Hospital have already been benefiting from the improved diagnostics for the past 10 years.

Last week NHS watchdog NICE issued new guidelines for hospitals around the UK to offer a three-in-one test for patients who are suspected of having breast cancer.

Beast cancer patients will soon be offered the one day 'test' which offers an examination, scan and biopsy in one day.

The triple assessment cuts down the number of weeks women have to wait for a diagnosis, helping to cut down on the stress and anxiety suffered by patients.

Angela Volleamere, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon and clinical lead for breast services at Bolton breast unit, has already seen the first-hand the benefits the nationally recommended service offers.

She said: "Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in women in the UK, affecting one in eight women.

"I think providing such a one-stop service for our patients - it is not just women but men too - is very important to our team and to our patients. As you can imagine, this is a very stressful time for them and to be able to reassure them in one visit is very important.

"A speedy diagnosis definitely improves anxiety and allows us to reassure most on one visit. Thus allowing us to see more patients and again reassure most.

"I wouldn't necessarily say that such clinics improve those diagnosed with breast cancer but it does allow us to provide a speedy diagnosis and proceed with their breast cancer treatment is proper promptly as possible. Most breast cancers generally develop slowly over months and years.

"It is an extremely difficult time for most women. However current diagnostics and treatments are improving all the time. This means we can now diagnose cancers earlier and therefore treatment is more successful. Thus allowing patients to move on with their lives and live a long time beyond a breast cancer diagnosis."

Bolton's Breast unit sees more than 2,700 patients a year, with approximately percent of those patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

Miss Volleamere says the numbers are increasing year on year with the triple assessment - also known as one stop clinics - seeing 90 per cent of its visitors reassured in one visit.

The assessment is available to all patients who visit the unit.

During the visits they are reviewed by a clinician before an examination. They then go on for a mammogram or ultrasound, or both depending upon age, and, if necessary, undergo a biopsy during that visit.

Results are interpreted by the radiologist and clinician who are present in clinic at all times.

The clinic is then able to tell a patient during the visit the results of the their examination and mammogram/ultrasound.

A 'good indication' of the biopsy results also offered on the day, with the full result being given five days later by the multidisciplinary team were specialists gather to discuss each patient individually and devise a bespoke management plan for them.

NHS cancer targets demand hospital services provide a diagnosis and commence treatment within 31 and 62 days of referral from GP and currently Bolton is achieving those targets.

Miss Volleamere adds: "Triple assessment can take several hours. They are told this at the start of the visit. Most patients do not mind as they leave the unit with a diagnosis. Over 90 per cent of patients are reassured and discharged in one visit.

"This is a service that should be provided to all. It has been provided to the Bolton population for over 10 years.

"I am very proud of the Bolton breast unit. I worked as a trainee surgeon in Bolton breast unit and was very keen to return to work here. This is because the team are incredibly hard-working and dedicated to their patients.

"We provide excellent diagnostic and therapeutic treatments and I think we provide the very best service possible. We provide highly specialised diagnostic techniques which are not of available in some units. As such other units refer to us for these."

The NICE guidelines state that the one-day tests result "in better health outcomes for people with breast cancer" and it hopes the triple diagnosis will prevent multiple hospital visits and will help decrease anxiety.