Specialist breast cancer centre opens in Dublin

A triple assessment clinic and a digital mammography facilities are part of the new specialist breast cancer centre which was officially opened that the Mater Private hospital in Dublin today.

"Triple assessment saved my life," iconic 1960s singer Marsha Hunt told those gathered for the opening. Hunt (62) was treated for breast cancer at the Mater in 2005. She also received part of her treatment at St Vincent's private hospital in Dublin

Hunt received all her tests in one day and was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and had her breast removed within a fortnight.

Triple assessment is involves clinical examination, imaging by ultrasound and/or mammography and pathology sampling.

"Since early diagnosis has been identified as a factor in breast cancer rates, there is no doubt but that triple assessment is the most efficient way to achieve rapid diagnosis and treatment." Fergus Clancy, CEO of Mater Private Healthcare said.

"With triple assessment the chance of missing anything is unlikely," consultant breast cancer surgeon at the Mater Malcolm Kell said.

Hunt says she may have received special treatment because of her celebrity when she first got sick as she got all her tests in one day, but is delighted this service is available to all women who attend the centre.

The new digital mammography service , which produces a digital image of the x-ray rather than a film at the unit are "super sensitive", Mr Kell said.

Breast cancer in younger women in their 40s is more easily detected with the technology as they tend to have denser breast tissue, consultant breast radiologist Professor Helen Fenlon said yesterday. Breast cancer tends to be more aggressive in women under 50 who make up about one fifth of breast cancer cases.

The multi-disciplinary team meets to discuss patients on a regular basis, which means that no patient is waiting more than a few days for a diagnosis, Mr Kell said.

Most of the staff in the unit were already working in the hospital. The team includes three specialist breast surgeons, five consultant radiologists and seven radiographers, as well as three specialist breast care nurses.