Regular breast screenings can help detect breast cancer at an earlier stage.
To make it more accessible on the West Coast the Keystone Medical Group’s state-of-the-art mobile breast-cancer screening unit made its way to Vredenburg on Monday 11 July, and is currently stationed at Weskus Mall.
With an all female staff on board, the mobile unit is fully equipped to conduct both mammograms and ultrasounds.
Magda Kriel, mammographer at the unit, encourages all women to do regular screenings and says it is very important as early detection saves lives.
“An annual mammogram is advised from the age of 40,” she said, “and ultrasounds can be done at any age.”
Kriel explains a mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast tissue using low dose radiation. She further explains that an ultrasound of the breast tissue makes use of sound waves to create an image. An ultrasound alone is not diagnostic enough to confirm a suspicious lesion.”
Afterwards the images are sent to Keystone Medical radiologist doctors, who provide feedback to the patients immediately. This means they can discuss their results with the doctor immediately after their appointment.
During the appointment patients are treated with care and every step is explained and questions are answered.
Sya Walt-Potgieter, Media Liaison Officer for the Keystone Medical Group, says the group is aware women of the West Coast have to travel long distances to have their annual mammograms and breast sonars.
“We would like to offer them fast, efficient and convenient services on their own doorstep,” she added.
Facts about breast cancer:. Early detection of the condition can lead to effective treatment and a positive prognosis. The survival rate of breast cancer is over 90% when the cancer is detected at an early stage.. Regular self-breast examination and regular mammograms are key to early detection.. Presenting yourself early for treatment may result in more effective treatment, and this may lead to a reduction in pain and suffering.
The mobile breast cancer screening unit will be stationed at Weskus Mall until Tuesday 2 August.
