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Breast Services

The multi-disciplinary staff of the UHCW Breast Team are dedicated to providing a world class service. We aim to provide an accurate diagnosis promptly and, when required, recommend and deliver appropriate treatment and follow up tailored to the individual’s situation.

The Warwickshire, Solihull & Coventry Breast Screening Service is part of the National Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) and is one of the largest breast screening services in England, inviting around 55,000 women for screening each year.

The Surgical Breast Care Nurse Team run a Breast Prosthesis fitting clinic and a nipple tattooing service at UHCW. Both of these services are by appointment only.

The NHSBSP aims to invite all women aged 50-71 for breast screening once every three years. The screening programme also offers women over 71 a free breast screen every three years. These women will not be sent an invitation but are encouraged to call the unit to make an appointment that suits them.

The aim of breast screening is to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, often before the woman is aware of any problem. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment.

Evidence shows that regular breast screening, between the ages of 50 - 71 years, reduces the death rate from breast cancer. Click here for more details.

Breasts change throughout life, for example in adolescence, during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and breast feeding and into the menopause. Most breast changes are not due to cancer but it is important to seek advice if you notice a change.
In the clinic you will be seen by either the consultant, a doctor or specialist nurse, who will talk to you about your breast symptoms and any family history of problems. You will be asked to give a brief medical history and inform them of any drugs you are presently taking. Your breasts will be examined and it may be suggested to carry out some tests such as a breast x-ray (mammogram) or breast ultrasound. Wherever possible, these will be performed on the same day as your clinic appointment.
Mammogram: This an X-ray of the breast. Some women find this a little uncomfortable as the breast is compressed for a few seconds whilst the xray is being taken.
Ultrasound Scan: This looks at breast tissue in a different way and is a common test to use in younger women. It is similar to the ultrasound used to look at the baby during pregnancy and is totally painless.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A fine needle is used to aspirate some cells from the problem area or to withdraw fluid from a fluid filled cyst. Some women experience slight discomfort and a small amount of bruising.
Needle Biopsy: Under local anaesthetic a special needle is used to take a sample of tissue from the area under investigation. This procedure may cause some discomfort and bruising.
We run Nurse-led clinics by appointment only. Patients are referred to us by either their GP or other clinicians.
The Surgical Breast Care Nurse service is based on the ground floor, West Wing, University Hospital, Coventry. We can be contacted on 024 7696 7089, Monday-Friday 9-4.30pm or by email breastcarenurse@uhcw.nhs.uk.
All Nurse-led clinics are based at The City of Coventry Health Centre (Tel: 02476 967089).

Warwickshire, Solihull & Coventry Breast Screening Service Breast Screening Department
Ground Floor, West Wing, University Hospital, Coventry.
To make or change an appointment please contact us via phone, email or request form on our website.

Telephone: 024 7696 7200
Email: bss@uhcw.nhs.uk
Website: www.bscreen.org.uk/Coventry


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