New Victoria Hospital Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Self-Referral Screening for Peace of Mind
This October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, New Victoria Hospital is highlighting its self-referral system for breast cancer screening, allowing private patients to access screening services without the need for symptoms or a GP referral. This move comes at a crucial time when anxiety around cancer is at an all-time high.
Recent NHS research shows that nearly six in 10 people (56%) cite a cancer diagnosis as their biggest health fear, ranking higher than heart disease and other illnesses. Additionally, almost three-quarters of the population (73%) have reported feeling anxious at least some of the time in the previous two weeks, with 20% feeling anxious most or all of the time.
In response to these growing concerns, New Victoria Hospital offers women the ability to refer themselves for breast cancer screening with a mammogram. Women who are over 40 years old, asymptomatic and have not had a mammogram in the past year, can book an imaging appointment with no need for a referral from a GP or a specialist.
Miss Sarah Tang, one of the leading breast surgeons at the independent hospital, based in Kent, emphasises the importance of early detection and understanding changes in breast health. “Breast lumps are very common, and most women will experience one or more at some time in their lives. The vast majority, at least nine out of ten, are benign, so getting a rapid test can give patients peace of mind,” says Miss Tang.
Why self-referral can give you peace of mind
Self-referral gives you the chance to take control of your breast health without waiting for symptoms to appear or relying on referrals. This is particularly important for women in their 40s, as early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Research has shown that starting screenings at age 40 can lead to a 25% reduction in breast cancer deaths.
“An assessment of your breast cancer risk and starting screening earlier can offer peace of mind,” says Miss Tang. “Diagnosing early breast cancer gives us the best chance to treat the disease successfully.”
Miss Tang adds, “Screening isn’t about fear, it’s about staying a step ahead. Every woman should feel empowered to take control of their breast health. At New Victoria Hospital, we use the latest technology to give patients the most accurate results in less time, and if something is wrong, we act fast.”
Early detection leads to more treatment options, including less invasive surgeries and better survival rates. Today, 76% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK survive for 10 years or more, thanks to early detection and advances in treatment.
You can self-refer for a mammogram at New Victoria Hospital if you:
- are 40+
- have no symptoms
- have not a had a breast screening in the past year
To request an appointment, you can fill the online form here.
One-Stop Breast Clinic is available for women with symptoms or concerns
Self-examination is always a good habit to spot any changes in your breasts and seek specialist advice as soon as possible.
Common breast cancer symptoms are not limited to lumps. You should also be aware of:
- Skin changes – some may feel that there is sudden dimpling of the skin that looks similar to an “orange peel”
- Nipple Changes – newly inverted nipples, the nipple might appear flatter or turned inward or have a rash
- Unusual Nipple Discharge – any discharge particularly if it is bloodstained
- Itchy Breasts – or a rash or swelling in the armpit
New Victoria Hospital’s One-Stop Breast Clinic offers women rapid and accurate screening, using the gold standard triple assessment method. Patients receive clinical breast examinations, mammograms and/or ultrasounds, and, where necessary, a fine needle aspiration or core biopsy on the same day of their consultation. Imaging results are usually shared with patients during the same-day appointment, and any pathology results are typically available within 48-72 hours.
The clinic also provides advanced diagnostic tools, such as tomosynthesis (3D mammography), which improves accuracy, especially for women with dense breast tissue. If further investigations, like a stereotactic or vacuum biopsy, are required, these will be arranged as a follow-up appointment.
To book an appointment at the One-Stop Breast Clinic and see a highly specialised Breast Consultant, please visit New Victoria Hospital’s website.
