Our Approach
Pretoria East Breast Cancer Consortium offers a holistic, tailored and comprehensive approach to the treatment of breast cancer. At your first consultation with Dr Singh, she will take a detailed history regarding your health and will perform a thorough physical examination. Based on your risk factors for breast cancer, further investigations will be requested.
Step 1: Breast Imaging
This allows for early detection of breast cancer, even before there are any signs and symptoms. From advanced imaging processes to routine mammograms, we use these tools to identify significant changes to breast tissue. The goal is to identify abnormalities promptly to ensure timely intervention, putting you in control of your health.
Step 2: Biopsy
Based on the BIRAD scoring system, if there are any suspicious areas in your breast on imaging, a core needle biopsy will be performed.
A breast core needle biopsy is a diagnostic assessment that entails removing small fragments of breast tissue for a detailed analysis. The tissue sample is then transferred to the pathology laboratory, which assesses it thoroughly to deliver an accurate diagnosis.
Read moreStep 3: Counselling and Staging
Receiving the news of a breast cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming and devastating. If your biopsy results confirm that you have breast cancer, Dr Singh will take time to explain the diagnosis to you. She will answer all your questions and address your concerns. Your journey ahead will be discussed and further counselling and support will be provided according to your needs. Depending on various factors, additional tests will be requested to assess if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. This is called staging and this helps to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Step 4: Oncology and Plastic Surgery Consultation
The next step is for you to meet with our oncologist, Dr Fourie, for further discussions about treatment options. If primary surgery is a treatment option, you will then meet with Dr Makgofa to discuss your cosmetic needs.
Step 5: Multidisciplinary Meeting and Treatment Planning
As soon as all the necessary investigations are completed and results made available, our team will meet to deliberate on the ideal treatment plan based on international guidelines and tailored to your specific health needs. In early breast cancer, our goal is for cure with optimal cosmetic outcomes. In more advanced cases, we aim for prolonged survival while maintaining a good quality of life.
Ultimately, the final decision on treatment will be left to you and you will be allowed to make an informed choice based on your preferences.
View TreatmentsOn-going Support and Follow-ups
At the Pretoria East Breast Cancer Consortium, our commitment to your well-being extends beyond treatment. We provide comprehensive follow-ups, surveillance, and support services to ensure your long-term health and emotional well-being. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures a complete recovery, helping you navigate life after treatment.
At the Pretoria East Breast Cancer Consortium, you can take comfort in knowing you are never alone in your journey towards recovery.
There’s Hope for Breast Cancer Survivors
Medical research continues to make great strides in their care towards breast cancer. However, early detection is crucial in treating cancer early on before the disease progresses. It’s important to never lose hope while fighting breast cancer, as there are treatments available even if the cancer has advanced, offering a ray of hope for survivors.
