Cancer

Discover the difference between a mammogram and an ultrasound, why screening leads to better outcomes, and how Mediclinic has partnered with Keystone Radiology’s mobile service to make breast screening accessible to more women in South Africa.  

Breast cancer incidence is increasing

With one in 30 South African women at risk of breast cancer, it’s important that you schedule regular breast cancer screening tests to catch the disease at an early stage. Risk factors for breast cancer include family history, lifestyle and genetic predisposition, says Dr Pieter Henning, General Manager of Radiology at Mediclinic.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, globally and in South Africa. The incidence of breast cancer in this country is greater than the combined incidence of the other most common cancers, including cervical, colorectal, lung and ovarian cancer,” he says. “There has also been a significant increase in breast cancer among younger women.”

The goal of breast cancer screening is to prevent patients from presenting at an advanced, incurable stage of the disease. Dr Henning notes that an increase in the diagnoses of late-stage cancer is evidence that too few women are getting screened.

Mammogram or ultrasound: know the difference

Mammogram technology uses a low dose of radiation to create highly detailed images of the breast. Ultrasound, on the other hand, does not use radiation, but sound waves, to view the internal structure of the breast. Mammograms are better at identifying small calcifications associated with cancer and can pick up suspicious lesions long before they become palpable. Ultrasound is safe for any age group and provides a three-dimensional look inside the breast.

The international recommendation is that women should have an annual mammogram after age 40, while younger women can start off with an ultrasound.

Dr Henning says a breast ultrasound is not a replacement screening tool for a mammogram but can be done in addition to an annual mammogram if a patient has abnormal results. The combined use of mammography and ultrasound is more sensitive in diagnosing early cancer.

“Mammography has become the gold standard for breast cancer detection and decades of studies have shown that it leads to earlier diagnosis and ultimately a decrease in mortality of patients diagnosed with cancer.”

Mediclinic’s partnership with Keystone Radiology

Mediclinic has joined Keystone Radiology in offering world-class breast cancer screening services, including mammography and breast ultrasound. The company’s Keystone Medical and Screen Her Save Her mobile units make breast care particularly accessible.

“Our partnership with Keystone aims to make world-class breast cancer screening accessible to women in South Africa, providing a comfortable and private experience in an in- and out-of-hospital setting, making it as convenient as possible for them,” says Rosa-Marie Cox-Cronje, Women’s Healthcare Manager at Mediclinic Diagnostic Imaging.

Keystone works with all medical aids and offers a special tariff for private patients without medical aid. In partnership with non-profit Screen Her Save Her, patients who can’t afford a screening can also apply to receive funding. Note that some medical aids only pay for a mammogram every two years, although it is recommended that women go for an annual screening from age 40.

What specialist services are included?

The mammogram and breast ultrasound are performed by highly qualified personnel. The radiographer (reporting doctor) analyses every mammogram, and the patient receives immediate feedback on their report before they leave the unit.

“Our friendly staff – from the receptionist, to the mammographer, and reporting doctor – make sure every patient feels at ease and knows what to expect during their screening journey and visit to our mobile unit. Our staff are highly experienced, ensuring that every woman receives the best possible service and leaves the mobile unit knowing the state of her breast health. The unit offers a warm reception area, private changing rooms, and a mammogram and sonar room,” says Cox-Cronje.

Plans for a second unit to serve more regions 

“Since establishing our first unit’s route in 2020, we’ve noticed a growing need to reach other regions and make screening accessible to more women in South Africa,” says Cox-Cronje. “The second unit’s locations have been reserved for the next four months until end-November, serving Hartbeespoort, Delmas, and then corporate companies in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. The plan is to reach newly identified towns in 2025.”

To make a booking, call 087 05 0587, go to https://calendly.com/mammounit2 or send a WhatsApp to 063 609 6022.