Free breast care consultations

Tuesday, 5 October 2010 22:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A free consultation with a doctor on breast care will be available to women who call in at the Ceylinco Healthcare Centre throughout October, the month dedicated universally to breast cancer awareness.

Announcing this community service initiative, the Centre said it will schedule appointments at which advice and information will be provided to them on how to prevent or minimise the complications pertaining to breast cancer through regular self-examination and screening.

The Senior Medical Officer at the Centre, Dr. Shyama Fernando said: “The incidence of breast cancer in Asia continues to increase. Surveys have shown that unlike in the West, breast cancer in Asian women is now appearing at a younger age and generally seen by doctors at a later stage.”

She said the Centre, which has state-of-the-art facilities for the detection and treatment of many forms of cancer, would focus on communicating the importance of screening for breast cancer because such cancers detected early can be effectively treated saving lives.

Women who wish to avail of this free service in October may make an appointment by calling the Ceylinco Healthcare Centre on 2490290.

The team at the Centre’s Breast Care Unit comprises female doctors, radiologists, pathologist, breast surgeon, oncologist, nurses, radiographers and customer service staff. The Centre seeks to provide a comfortable non-hospital atmosphere to people who visit for screening and treatment. Located at Park Street, Colombo 2, the Centre offers services ranging from history-based risk assessment to clinical examination, mammography, ultrasound investigation as well as multi-modal treatment options.

The Unit also offers specialised breast care packages for women over 40 years and those below 40 years.

A subsidiary of Ceylinco Life, the country’s leading life insurer, Ceylinco Healthcare Services Ltd., (CHSL) is equipped for oral, breast, colorectal, stomach and cervical cancer screening. Tests such as mammography, colonoscopy, endoscopy, laryngoscopy, ultrasound screening and x-ray are performed at the centre.

A state-of-the-art radiation treatment unit, which commenced operations three years ago, houses the country’s first Linear Accelerator for the delivery of Intensity Modulated Radiation Treatment.