Where to screen for breast cancer in and around Johannesburg

Since opening the Breast Health Clinic in 2005, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital added the Breast Cancer Imaging Unit, which was unveiled last year.

The clinic is a dedicated facility whose purpose is to reduce waiting times for outpatients while also serving as a clinical and research hub.

The imaging unit uses modern high-resolution and 3D tomosynthesis mammography, as these innovations have been proven to transform breast cancer detection and treatment planning.

This technology captures multiple X-ray images from a moving arc and reconstructs them into thin, 1-millimetre slices. This allows radiologists to examine breast tissue layer by layer, which reduces the risk of missing anything that might be concealed by overlapping tissue. The centre also offers advanced biopsies, treatment, reconstruction, support and rehabilitation.

A referral is required and both facilities see patients on Fridays.

Along with her co-authors, breast radiologist Dr Grace Rubin’s research demonstrating that a core needle biopsy core is vastly superior to fine-needle aspiration for an accurate diagnosis won the prestigious Best Poster in the Body Imaging category award at the Global Radiology CME's Imaging in Prague Congress in 2019.

She leads the Breast Care & Bone Density Centre team, placing patients in her safe, expert hands. Her specialty is assisting with breast and bone imaging services for early detection and diagnosis. Because hers is an all-women team, this provides that added layer of comfort for patients.

The Women's Health & Mammography Institute specialises specifically in women-centred healthcare services and conditions. The forward-thinking team relies on technological advancements in medical treatments to address the health challenges faced by women today.

Their services include breast cancer screening, diagnostic digital mammograms, osteoporosis and bone density scans. Using cutting-edge digital technology for mammograms enables these experts to perform stereotactically guided biopsies, and their holistic approach allows for psychological, emotional and spiritual healing.

The hospital’s breast cancer services are managed by the specialised Batho Pele Breast Unit, which has been operating for 26 years.

Having a dedicated breast cancer unit allows the hospital to expedite diagnosis and treatment pathways. Their wide range of services includes mammograms, high-resolution breast ultrasounds, core needle biopsies, fine-needle aspirations and advanced systemic staging scans.

The unit opens on Wednesdays and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Launched in 1931, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is the country’s longest-standing dedicated support centre for cancer patients. Recognizing that this dread disease is not a journey one can embark on solo, CANSA also provides bereavement support groups as well as free telephonic counselling to caregivers, family members and loved ones whose lives are impacted.

Their Clinical Breast Examinations, which include lymph node checks and manual palpations, also extend to education about self-examination. At their store, breast cancer survivors can purchase breast prostheses, a supply of mastectomy reconstruction and lumpectomy bras, mastectomy swimwear and other requirements.

The facility was opened 21 years ago under the expertise of specialist surgeon Professor Carol-Ann Benn and Professor Sarah Rayne, who co-founded it. Their vision was to provide exceptional healthcare to women and men battling cancer at the affordable rates of a public hospital setting.

The clinic offers breast pathology diagnosis and treatment without compromising on high-quality patient care and effective service delivery. The clinic sees more than 10 new diagnoses every week, and locally advanced disease patients are referred immediately for primary chemotherapy. New patients are seen on Tuesdays and follow-ups are done on Thursdays.

The centre is a highly specialised diagnostic group whose primary focus is advanced breast imaging and healthcare for women.

Their Digital Mammography & 3D Tomosynthesis produces high-resolution breast imaging that allows for precision tracking to detect tissue changes as early as possible. Dense breast tissue and specific lumps are assessed through their complimentary breast ultrasound, and their offerings also include comprehensive bone density tracking.

Situated right across the road from Chris Hani Baragwanath, Lesedi offers private healthcare, which includes privately managed breast cancer services.

Their on-site radiology practice has a specialised full-field digital mammography system for breast cancer screening, with fine-needle or core needle biopsies being processed through the expertise of the hospital's on-site private laboratory networks.

Patients are seen strictly by appointment and cash patients are required to pay upfront for the radiology and consultation fees.

The SJF Breast Centre of Excellence is a specialised and dedicated breast imaging facility and a holistic breast screening environment.

Located inside the Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital, the dedicated Mammography Department specifically exists to assist patients with routine screenings and preventative scans. The women-led team at the facility ensures patient comfort while also maximising diagnostic accuracy.

Using High-Resolution Mammography, Supplemental Breast Ultrasound and Advanced Breast MRI, the team is able to assist patients without the limitations of standalone 2D imaging.