Two new services in readiness for Breast Cancer
BreastHealth UK launches two new services in readiness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
BreastHealth UK, the UK’s leading private breast cancer screening provider, is launching two new services to women in readiness for breast cancer awareness month in October.
1. Free Self Examination Reminder Service
This free service, offered via the BreastHealth UK website, allows women to access a regular reminder once a month during the middle of their menstrual cycle (the best time for women to check their breasts for any abnormalities). To sign up, women should enter their name, the date of the first day of their last period, mobile number and/or email address – it’s so easy and it only takes 20 seconds. A reminder will be sent at the optimal time of the month,including a link to a short video which shows an experienced breast nurse demonstrating how to do a self examination – an essential skill for all women to learn.
When checking their breasts, women should look out for the following changes and if in any doubt, gain medical advice:
- A lump or thickening which is different to the rest of the breast tissue.
- One breast becomes larger or smaller.
- A nipple becomes inverted or changes shape or position.
- Skin changes including puckering or dimpling.
- Swelling under the armpit.
- A rash on or around the nipple.
- Discharge from one or both nipples.
Prof. Gordon Wishart, BreastHealth UK’s Medical Director comments: To be breast aware means becoming familiar with how your breasts look and feel, whatever your age. Your breasts may change at different times during the month and as you get older, but if you are aware of this, you will be able to recognise if a change is normal for you- or not. It only takes a minute to watch the video and learn how to do it yourself and it could save your life. Ten years ago Motorsports TV presenter Diana Binks found a lump in her left breast. In her early thirties at the time, Diana discovered the pea-sized lump by accident: “I thought maybe it was a hormonal thing – I wasn’t overly concerned and I left it for six to nine months, says Diana. During that time it grew bigger.
Fortunately it turned out to be benign, just a cyst – a huge relief. It was only later that I looked back and realised how lucky I was. I should have been more assertive and reacted more quickly because you just never know. I’m much more knowledgeable about my breast health now and I regularly check my breasts. I know what they should feel like; I know what’s normal and what’s not. I think one of the reasons I didn’t act more promptly was because of my age, at the time I had no idea that it was the most common form of cancer in women under 35 – now I’m much more informed. The key thing for all women, regardless of age, is to get to know their breasts, check them regularly and be aware – don’t ignore anything out of the ordinary, however small.
2. BreastHealth UK Online Risk Assessment Service (with telephone results)
Although every woman in the UK has on average an 11 percent risk of developing breast cancer over a lifetime, an individual woman’s risk may be higher or lower depending on known risk factors including their family history, lifestyle and genes. One of the most widely used models for breast cancer risk assessment, the Tyrer-Cuzick model, is available via the BreastHealth UK website as part of a new type of breast health screening service which enables women to understand their own personal level of risk.
The service costs £75 and includes a risk assessment questionnaire that can be filled in online, and is then analysed by qualified breast health professionals. The results are delivered within a week via telephone by a genetic counsellor from BreastHealth UK who will explain the level of risk and advise the best way forward for the client. Vicki Lyus, BreastHealth UK genetic counsellor remarks:
“The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment may be particularly beneficial for women who are concerned about their breast health, perhaps because they have lost a relative or friend to breast cancer. In offering the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Service, BreastHealth UK can help women to develop a personalised approach to looking after their breast health. It is hoped that ultimately this will lead to increased survival and quality of life in women who are at high-risk, whilst simultaneously minimising costs, unnecessary treatments, and anxiety in lower risk women”
You can follow BreastHealth UK on Facebook through the Breast Health Advice page.
Key facts
1.BreastHealth UK is launching the free Self Examination Reminder Service and one minute video guide and online breast cancer risk assessment with telephone results service.
2.The services are offered via the BreastHealth UK website
3.The services will encourage women to become more aware of their breasts and to check them for any abnormalities.
About BreastHealth UK BreastHealth UK offers comprehensive, personalised, private breast screening services designed to help worried women gain information.BreastHealth UK combines state-of-the-art technology such as Digital Infrared BreastScan and genetic tests with a range of traditional breast screening services including clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI. BreastHealth UK helps to ensure that breast cancer is identified early and an appropriate individual treatment pathway implemented.
To achieve this BreastHealth UK works with leading breast surgeons, radiologists, genetic counsellors and other breast specialists across the UK.Early detection of breast cancer reduces the need for surgery and improves survival and quality of life.
At present, routine NHS breast screening is available for women between 50 and 70 years old. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 35. Prices start from £60 for a Clinical Breast Examination by a qualified Clinical Breast Nurse, or from £160 for a Digital Infrared BreastScan. BreastHealth UK also offers Ultrasound, Breast MRI Scans and Genetic Testing (price on application).
To find out which breast screening option is most appropriate for you, or to book an appointment, call BreastHealth UK on 0800 085 6616 .BreastHealth UK established its first clinic in Cambridge in 2008 and a nationwide network is being rolled out please see the website for more information. At the moment there are 17 clinics in the following locations throughout the UK with more opening during 2010:
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| Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital | Spire Gatwick Park Hospital, Surrey |
| Spire Little Aston Hospital, Sutton Coldfield (North Birmingham) | Spire South Bank Hospital, Worcester |
| Spire Parkway Hospital, Solihull (South Birmingham) | Spire Thames Valley Hospital, Windsor/Slough |
| Spire Manchester Hospital | Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital |
| Spire Washington Hospital, Newcastle | Spire Clare Park Hospital, Surrey |
| Spire Gatwick Park Hospital, Surrey | GenMed Clinic, Tower Hill, central London |
| GenMed Clinic, Moorgate, central London | GenMed Clinic, Baker Street, central London |
| GenMed Clinic, Fleet Street, central London | Blossom Healthcare Clinic, Canary Wharf, London |
| Blossom Healthcare Clinic, Garlick Hill, central London |
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