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What to expect at the Breast Centre

ONE STOP BREAST CLINIC

TRIPLE ASSESSMENT – ie; Clinical Breast Examination, Breast imaging (mammogram/ ultrasound) and if there is a breast lump, an Ultrasound guided Breast biopsy (FNAC/core biopsy) will be carried out on your first visit. You do not need to go to Radiology Department for Mammogram or Ultrasound assessment. This is a unique set up, FIRST of its kind in the Country, where Clinical Assessment, Breast imaging and Breast biopsy are all done under one roof in a specific purpose built Breast Centre. The results of Imaging will be available within the hour – same day. The Core biopsy/FNAC report would be available in about three days.

What to expect at the Breast Centre

A doctor will see you first. You will be asked for details of your symptoms. You may be asked to fill in a short form, which includes questions about any family history of breast problems, and any medication you are taking. This will be followed by a Clinical Breast Examination. The doctor will check both your breasts. As part of the examination it is usual to examine the lymph glands in your armpits. You may then need to have further tests. These will usually include one or more of the following:

  • Bilateral mammogram (x-ray of both breasts)
  • Ultrasound scan
  • Core biopsy
  • Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)

BREAST SCREENING

Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Breast Screening by way of Mammography (X- ray of the breasts) is an effective proven way of detecting breast cancer early many years before the lady or the doctor can feel the lump in the breast.
Since inception, we have been at the forefront in creating awareness about this very important fact through a number of innovative initiatives. Breast Screening is recommended annually (once every year or atleast once in two years) for women 40 years and over.

Breast Screening Explained

Breast screening (mammography) is an X-ray examination of the breasts
Breast screening can show breast cancer at an early stage, when they are too small for you or your doctor to see or feel

Breast screening can help find small changes in the best it shows up.
Early detection of breast cancer offers the best chance of successful treatment, which significantly improves a woman’s chance of survival.

No, Breast screening only helps find breast cancer if it is already there

Mammography involves a tiny dose of radiation-the risk to your health from this is insignificant. The radiation dose is same as receiving dental x-ray

It may be easier to wear separate top as you will have to undress to waist. Please do not use deodorant or talcum powder on the day you go for Breast screening as this may affect the Mammogram.
only helps find breast cancer if it is already there

Some women find the procedure uncomfortable and few may find it painful. With Full field Digital Mammography at the Breast Centre in KIMS, the pressure applied & radiation delivered would be significantly less, and hence, discomfort would be minimal. The pressure will only last for a few seconds. If you do experience pain, it usually only lasts for long as the procedure takes.

If you are diagnosed with Breast cancer, finding it early gives the best chance of successful treatment.

Please refer to booklets published by Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation in partnership with Breast Cancer Care, UK that deal with all aspects of breast cancer in simple, easy to understand format.

The aim of this booklet is to empower women affected with breast cancer in India so that they could be better informed, better prepared & more importantly feel more in control at every stage of their treatment.