An expert in the early detection of breast cancer has joined the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre as its clinical director.David Green, a breast radiologist, has two decades of experience in screening patients for the potentially deadly disease.He told The Royal Gazette his appointment would mean a faster information turnover rate when it comes to early detection, as well as face-to-face assessments for patients.“It is about the patient and providing them with a confidential, caring and personalised experience,” said Dr Green. “Being available to meet with diagnostic patients allows me to provide them with timely answers and current information in breast cancer detection.“I am able to explain their results directly to them and, when necessary, speak with them and their physician about next steps. What I bring to Bermuda and, specifically, the patients at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, is my extensive experience in performing early detection of breast cancer.“It is recognised by national breast screening programmes that the best outcomes for women are achieved by having her breast images performed by specially trained technologists and having her images read by specially trained radiologists, who read a high volume of examinations with close audit of outcomes both by self audit and external review, and taking part in multidisciplinary case discussions with specialist breast surgeons and breast pathologists.“I spent 21 years in just such an environment as clinical director of a breast screening service in the UK.”Dr Green said incidences of breast cancer were steadily rising, with a one in eight chance of a woman developing the disease over the course of her lifetime.“Screening is helping to reduce the mortality from breast cancer because the earlier we can detect breast cancer, the earlier we can treat it,” he added. “Perhaps three-quarters of the risk for breast cancer is due to environmental factors, so adopting a healthy lifestyle will help reduce your risk.”The centre’s executive director Tara Soares said the appointment marked another major milestone on the road to achieving international standards and becoming a centre of excellence, similar to the Faulkner-Sagoff Breast Centre in Boston .Ms Soares said: “Our charity was the first to introduce digital mammography technology to Bermuda in 2008 and the next step in becoming a centre of excellence was the appointment of a breast specialist clinical director who could bring a specialist level of experience and expertise to lead our charity to reach our vision.”Ms Soares added: “The importance of Dr Green’s appointment is very significant for Bermuda. With over two decades of experience and expertise in working with a broad variety of other breast specialists in a dedicated breast facility, he is bringing to the patients of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre unprecedented knowledge and expertise.”Prior to accepting the position with the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, Dr Green worked at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as consultant radiologist for more than 21 years and as clinical director for Wirral Breast Screening Unit for more than 20 years. He studied medicine at Liverpool University Medical School.In his spare time, Dr Green enjoys running and has participated in several marathons, including the New York City Marathon, as well as marathons in Berlin and London. He also enjoys driving and gardening. He is married and has four children.