BREAST cancer patients in East Yorkshire are to be among the first in the world to receive pioneering tumour- blasting treatment.

The procedure, currently only carried out in Japan, will mean women with primary breast cancer can be treated without the need for surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

In Hull, on average, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer each day.

Of these cases, as many as half could benefit from the breakthrough.

The new technology, called a high-frequency ultra-sound, will work in conjunction with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine at Hull Royal Infirmary.

MRI is a way of taking pictures of various parts of the body without using X-rays.

A radio wave antenna is used to send signals to the body and then receive signals back.

These returning signals are converted into 3D pictures by a computer attached to the scanner.

The new technology emits ultra-sound beams, blasting the deadly cells, killing the tumour.

Initially, only patients who have a breast tumour two centimetres or less in size will benefit.

But it is hoped patients with prostate cancer and bigger tumours will also eventually be helped.

The machine used for the treatment can also zap cancer cells which have spread to the bone.

Professor Lindsay Turnbull, a leading authority on breast cancer and professor of radiology at Hull Royal Infirmary, is bringing the technology to the region.

Prof Turnbull, also director of the Centre for MR Investigations at the University of Hull, has produced extensive research into the disease, which has been published in top medical journal, the Lancet.

She said: "The MRI machine is used to guide where to deliver an ultra sound beam so that it destroys the tissue.

"We are raising money to buy the equipment because it is not funded on the NHS.

"Globally, it is only used in Japan.

"We have a great interest in moving forward with this in Hull and I would be keen to lead it in Europe."

The machine costs between £350,000 and £750,000 and is manufactured in only France and the US.

Dorothy Fagge, a former member of Prof Turnbull's team, who is involved in helping to bring the machine to Hull, said: "It is going to be absolutely incredible. It stops the disease in its tracks – it just does not progress.

"It is a cure. In the past, we have been very cautious about using the word 'cure' but this is fantastic.

"It is absolutely going to save lives."

In theory, it is possible cancer patients could walk out of the hospital with deadly cancer cells killed off in a single day.

Mrs Fagge said: "Prof Turnbull has such high levels of expertise at operating the MRI that she can now produce images of cancers that are so detailed and accurate she is now ready to have the additional piece of equipment.

"This is cutting-edge technology and we are so fortunate to have her.

"She has got the team in place and now all she needs is the equipment."

An appeal fund has been set up, called the Yorkshire Scan Appeal, to raise the cash for the machine.

So far, £30,000 has been raised through a Valentine's ball and a luncheon.

Jean Van De Ende, chairwoman of the fundraising committee, has previously raised £400,000 for the breast care unit at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham.

She said: "My mother, sadly, died after being diagnosed with breast cancer and it was that which made me get myself into it."

A charity shop is to open for one week on March 22 at 10 Toll Gavel, Beverley, to raise further funds and another ladies' luncheon is planned.

Maureen Rutter, director of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We are always interested to hear of developments that could help some people diagnosed with breast cancer in the future and wish the appeal every success."

Anyone who wishes to donate to the fund is invited to contact the MRI unit at Hull Royal Infirmary by calling (01482) 674080.