More Videos On This Subjectdiagnosis
This video also appears in these sectionsdiagnosis
Breast cancer diagnosis within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom is a well-structured and patient-centered process aimed at early detection and effective management. Here's an overview of breast cancer diagnosis at NHS UK:
1. Clinical Assessment:
- The journey typically begins when a woman notices breast changes or abnormalities or is referred through the NHS breast screening program.
- A clinical assessment involves a thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals, including a clinical breast examination, discussion of symptoms, and review of medical history.
2. Imaging and Tests:
- Mammography: Women referred through the screening program may undergo mammography, which is a specialized X-ray to detect breast abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging may be used alongside mammography to provide more detailed information about breast lumps or abnormalities.
- Biopsy: If suspicious findings are observed, a biopsy is often performed to confirm whether the abnormality is cancerous. The sample is sent to a pathology lab for analysis.
3. Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Review:
- Results from clinical assessments, imaging, and biopsies are presented at a multidisciplinary team meeting, where experts from various medical fields collaborate to determine the best course of action.
4. Staging:
- If breast cancer is confirmed, further tests, such as CT scans or bone scans, may be conducted to assess the extent of cancer's spread (staging).
5. Treatment Planning:
- Once a diagnosis and cancer stage are established, the MDT discusses treatment options with the patient, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.
6. Support and Counseling:
- Patients are provided with psychological and emotional support, with access to counselors, support groups, and information resources to help them navigate their diagnosis and treatment.
7. Ongoing Monitoring:
- After treatment, patients receive regular follow-up care to monitor their progress and address any concerns. This includes routine check-ups, mammograms, and ongoing support as needed.
Breast cancer diagnosis at NHS UK is characterized by a commitment to early detection, evidence-based treatments, patient involvement, and comprehensive support services. The NHS strives to ensure that patients receive timely and personalized care, emphasizing not only medical treatment but also the emotional and psychological aspects of coping with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Useful links from: About Breast cancer - signs and symptoms | NHS
- Symptoms of Breast Cancer from Cancer Research UK It is important to always get a breast lump checked by your GP. They will arrange for you to have tests to find out whether your lump is cancer or not.
- Symptoms of Breast Cancer in women from NHS UK If it’s treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body.
- Symptoms of breast cancer in women from NHS UK The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast.
- An overview of breast cancer in women from NHS Wales Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.
Useful links from: NHS breast cancer screening
Useful links from: Tower Hamlets breast screening programme
Useful links from: Other Things You Need to Know About Breast Screening
Useful links from: Treating breast pain | United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Useful links from: Breast cancer: testing and treatment | NHS
Useful links from: Breasts and Mastitis
- Mastitis: symptoms and treatment Mastitis support and advice from NCT.
- Symptoms, causes and treatments of mastitis Information from the Better Health Start for Life NHS subsite.
- Mastitis
- Mastitis information from NHS Wales Information from NHS Wales.
- Common breastfeeding problems Common breastfeeding problems information from University Hospital Southampton.
- The National Breastfeeding Helpline Breastfeeding information and support available 9.30am to 9.30pm every day of the year.
Useful links from: Having radiotherapy for breast cancer - 3 Videos
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.