Early detection of breast cancer saves lives in two ways: the smaller the lump, the highest chances for survival. And the less treatment is needed. Therefore the less impact on the person’s ability to pick up their lives again. Comparison of your mammograms that we keep on file, make it possible to detect tiny deviations.
Mammograms
Breast screening at the Caribbean Prevention Center happens with x-ray photos of your breasts; this is called a mammogram. Some consider it painful when the breast is wedged between the two plates of the mammogram machine, while others don’t. To assure minimal discomfort, our nurses are especially trained at sharing ways to relax the muscles, which makes the few seconds taking the x-ray less, if not at all, painful.
Two X-rays are taken of each breast in order to get all the angles for a total view of the tissues of the breast. Highly skilled radiologists analyze the x-rays and make sure to add the previous screenings’ x-rays next to it to be able to detect the slightest change. This makes it possible to detect abnormalities of as little as 0.5cm.
An abnormality is not necessarily a cancer. Further steps, taken with the help of your family physician, are needed to establish the right path forward for you.
The great majority of mammograms give a favorable outcome. In those cases we invite the client back for a next mammogram in two (2) years.
How we guarantee you get the highest accuracy
The x-rays are assessed by two independent and highly skilled radiologists. A third radiologist may also assess the mammograms when a consensus is not reached. Previously done mammograms at the Caribbean Prevention Center are laid next to the most recent one to compare and detect small deviations. This makes it possible to detect abnormalities of as little as 0.5cm.
The breast cancer screening is audited biannually by the Dutch Expert Center for Screening (LRCB) to guarantee the quality of the professionals and equipment and to provide improvement recommendations.
More Questions?
Do you have questions about your invitation, how the screening works, or other practical matters? Please contact our Caribbean Prevention Center at www.bevolkingsonderzoeknederland.nl/contact
