Thought to be caused by a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices and environmental factors, breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with over 55,000 women and 350 men diagnosed in the UK every year.
Early detection and advances in technology now mean that compared with the statistics of 40 years’ ago, 5 in 6 people will beat their diagnosis and will go on to make a full recovery.
With this in mind, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (1-31 October), Nuffield Health Tees Hospital is inviting people to visit its state-of-the-art mammography suite to find out more about breast screening and the range of patient-choice services available.
Located within the hospital’s main radiology department, the mammography suite at Nuffield Health’s CQC rated ‘outstanding’ hospital in Stockton-on-Tees has been custom designed to provide the highest possible standard of care for patients at what is naturally a very emotional, worrying time.
Featuring the latest fully-digital technologies which provide high-quality imagery at a fraction of the radiational impact of traditional x ray machines, including a high-spec mammogram machine with a built-in flexi paddle for optimum comfort, the suite operates clinics five days a week and patients can usually access an appointment within 48 hours of referral.
“Thanks to high profile campaigns from various breast cancer charities, people are more conscious than ever about checking their breasts for any abnormalities,” said Nicola Gregson-Maidwell, radiology manager at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital.
“Finding a lump or bump, even if it turns out to be nothing more than a simple cyst can be an incredibly worrying time, which is why we wanted to create a calming space within the hospital which was completely private where we could offer a range of breast care services for both women and men.
“We offer self-referring screening services for patients over 40 who are not symptomatic but who want to take precautions, perhaps due to a family history of cancer. We also offer a same day service for patients who are symptomatic of suspected breast cancer which provides them with access to a specialist consultant, as well as a consultant radiologist for double assurance of the correct diagnosis and the subsequent course of treatment.”
To raise awareness of its dedicated mammography service and the choice available to patients looking to access breast clinic services, Nuffield Health Tees Hospital is hosting an open event on Friday 18th October between 9am and 4pm to invite people to come and have a look around and see the facilities for themselves.
“We have gone to great lengths to ensure that our mammography suite is as welcoming as possible,” Nicola added.
“With private consultation rooms and adjustable mood lighting in the mammography room that patients can control, we take the time to relax and reassure patients which makes a huge difference to their overall experience of the clinic. By opening this up to the public at our upcoming event, we want to make people aware that when it comes to their healthcare, they have choices available to them.”
Nuffield Health is the UK’s leading not-for-profit private healthcare group with 31 hospitals and 112 health and wellbeing clubs and diagnostic clinics located across the country.
