Breast Care Services at Parkside Hospital
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At Parkside Hospital, we work closely with our neighbouring Nuffield Health Cancer Centre London to offer a comprehensive breast care service. This covers all aspects of breast care, from diagnosis and treatment to aftercare and emotional support.
The private health insurance company Bupa recognises us as a breast care centre of excellence. We have a team of leading consultants, specialist breast care nurses, radiologists who interpret scans, physiotherapists and reconstructive plastic surgeons.
Parkside has installed high-precision imaging equipment. If you are concerned about any breast symptoms, we can make a fast and accurate diagnosis. Most people’s symptoms are benign (non-cancerous), but we arrange prompt treatment if required. Our expert team are here to support you and give you the best possible care.
Checking your breasts
According to the charity Cancer Research UK, over 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. The condition mainly affects women, but men can also get breast cancer in rare cases. The risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. Survival rates are good overall, especially if you are diagnosed early, and continue to improve.
It's normal for your breasts to change during the menstrual cycle and over your lifetime. Most changes are not a sign of cancer, but it's vital to check your breasts regularly. You can look and feel for any unusual symptoms, such as:
- a lump, thickening or swelling in your breast or armpit
- a change in the size, shape or feel of one or both breasts
- a change in the position of the nipple, such as turning inwards
- fluid (which may be streaked with blood) leaking from either nipple
- constant pain in your breast, nipple or armpit
- skin changes in your breast, such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange), a rash or redness
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important for a doctor to examine you and find out the cause.
Breast imaging and diagnostic tests
Parkside Hospital runs a breast screening service. Our specialist breast imaging team take digital X-ray pictures of each breast. This test is called a mammogram and helps us to detect any early signs of breast cancer.
If you are worried about any breast symptoms, we have set up a One Stop Breast Clinic. In a single visit to our hospital, you can have all the tests needed for us to diagnose your symptoms accurately. Our experts examine you, arrange imaging tests and, if necessary, carry out a biopsy (that is, take a small sample of breast tissue to be checked under a microscope).
Breast cancer care and breast reconstruction
Most breast symptoms are not caused by cancer. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your consultant prepares a care plan suited to your needs. A specially trained breast cancer nurse supports you throughout your care.
Surgery is often the first type of care for breast cancer. This is performed by our consultant breast surgeons at Parkside Hospital. You recover in our dedicated cancer care (oncology) ward.
Depending on your condition, you may be able to have breast-conserving surgery. This is where your surgeon removes the cancerous lump (tumour) and some surrounding breast tissue. If you need a mastectomy to remove the whole breast, we can usually offer you breast reconstruction. Our plastic surgeons can carry out a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to make a new breast shape.
Other breast cancer procedures and support services
Other breast cancer procedures, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy, are available at Cancer Centre London. You may have procedures before surgery to shrink the tumour or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can feel overwhelming and cause many different emotions. At our sister site Cancer Centre London, we provide a wide range of support services for you and your loved ones. These include:
- a breast care nursing service
- complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy massage, to relax your body and mind
- counselling and psychological support
- a specialised dietitian service for people living with cancer
- breast cancer physiotherapy sessions
How to book an appointment with the Breast Care Service
Our breast care service offers rapid advice, diagnosis and care for breast cancer. We care for you in a modern, comfortable and welcoming environment.
Parkside Hospital and Cancer Centre London have achieved various awards and accreditations. These show that we meet international best practice and provide safe, reliable and high-quality cancer care.
For more information or to book an appointment with a breast care specialist, please complete the form below or call 020 3944 0568.