New state-of-the-art unit will offer full range of assessments and fast diagnosis

A new one-stop Breast Unit at Chiswick Medical Centre will be the first in the area to provide patients with fast access to diagnosis and for the option to self-refer. The Breast Unit will offer the full spectrum of breast assessment, the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases, as well as the full range of breast reconstruction options.

By allowing qualifying patients to self-refer, the Breast Unit offers access to a triple assessment breast care service without the need to see a GP. For the almost one in five London women who report difficulties accessing medical help for breast concerns - much higher than the national average of one in seven - earlier access to testing may improve their outcomes and survival rates.

Recent research commissioned by HCA Healthcare UK* found that if faced with a symptom, more than two in five (42%) women would delay visiting a doctor for medical help, with 23% saying they would wait for up to two weeks and one in ten waiting for up to a month. Just under a third of those polled (29%) in London stated that they would be more inclined to seek help for a breast related concern if waiting times for appointments and results were shorter.

To minimise wait-times, patients who visit The Breast Unit at Chiswick Medical Centre are offered same-day access to a triple assessment breast care service. Patients are seen by a consultant breast surgeon, where a detailed medical history and clinical breast examination is undertaken. This is followed by the relevant breast imaging and an image guided biopsy where clinically indicated.

The Breast Unit is supported by the latest imaging technology, something which is vital in detecting breast cancer early and improving outcomes. The pioneering equipment used at the clinic reduces the number of times patients need to be imaged, decreases waiting times and increases reliability and speed of the diagnosis.

During a patient's visit to The Breast Unit, they will benefit from the clinical expertise of a range of specialists to care for them through every stage of their treatment. The Breast Unit offers a multidisciplinary approach to providing the right diagnosis and treatment plan with Clinical Nurse Specialists offering support through all stages of care during a patient's journey. If a treatment is needed, the Nurse Specialists offer holistic advice and support which encompasses emotional advice and practical support for the patient and the family.

Mr Richard Sainsbury, Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon, Chiswick Medical Centre, part of HCA Healthcare UK comments: “Our busy lives can mean that checking our health can fall down the list of priorities, however early diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial for the success of treatment. The earlier you spot the symptoms, the higher your chance of full recovery. The Chiswick Breast Unit will allow patients to receive a fast diagnosis with results shared swiftly after their appointment. This new state-of-the-art service will offer patients personalised care through every stage of their journey.”

Miss Christina Choy, Consultant Surgeon, Chiswick Medical Centre, part of HCA Healthcare UK comments: “It is crucial that women check their breasts to identify what is normal for them and regularly feel for anything unusual. Women should look and feel for lumps in the breast or armpit and changes in size or shape or changes to the nipple such as inversion or discharge. If you notice any change that's unexplained or persistent it is best to get yourself checked out by a consultant.”

Miss Caroline Richardson, Consultant Surgeon, Chiswick Medical Centre, part of HCA Healthcare UK comments: “Women's ever-changing bodies can make it hard to spot crucial signs and symptoms of breast cancer. If you're ever in doubt or notice an unusual change it's always best to see a specialist. This state-of-the-art unit will now give women an opportunity to receive specialist treatment and diagnosis quickly and with care.”

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June 16, 2019