Wealden Times | WT176 | October 2016 | Kitchen & Bathroom supplement inside

A month to remember
Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. An average of 55,000 men and
women are diagnosed every year, so to keep you all in the know, we asked some
experts to talk through the process, from consultation to recovery.
Genevieve runs Stalwart
Wellness in ‘Tenterden...
What are the side effects of breast cancer treatment
and surgery? Breast cancer treatment is often followed
by a decline in upper body function. Up to 50% of our
patients suffer from symptoms after surgery, radiotherapy
and chemotherapy. These can include bodily problems
like impaired shoulder mobility, muscle weakness,
severe arm pain, lymphedema and cording, which is the
development of fibrous scar tissue after lymph nodes
have been removed. Other side effects can range from
fatigue and nausea to lowered self esteem and anxiety.
What happens in one of your workshops? The pain
and dysfunction associated with breast cancer therapies
is a consequence of restrictions in connective tissue. As
a result, our approach is to focus on mobilising these
restrictions by using gentle, non-invasive techniques that
often produce dramatic, life-changing results. Breast
cancer recovery is a very sensitive time. A time to be
respected for the hard-won healing that is taking place,
as well as the physical and emotional complexities that
are encountered. People recovering from breast cancer
face many challenges, not only in getting strength and
energy back, but in many cases, regaining self-confidence
and learning to trust the body once more. Specialist
Pilates rehabilitation equipment can be used to improve
movement in joints, work the abdominal muscles, improve
balance and stability and build strength and endurance.
With the use of Thera-Bands, weights, yoga postures and
breathing techniques, a high quality of life can be restored.
What are the benefits and results that your clients have
had? Clients will often regain function in their upper
bodies, sometimes after months or even years of impaired
movement. Recent studies show a direct link between
moderate physical exercise and an improved quality of life
for breast cancer survivors. Along with direct strength and
mobility improvements in the shoulders and arms, the
core muscles in the abdomen and back can be retrained
and stabilised. Self-confidence and a positive body
image come naturally once posture and biomechanics
are restored. Increased energy levels and decreased stress
and tension mean clients develop the confidence to
practise at home and take part in everyday activities.
Genevieve is fully qualified and experienced in Cancer
Rehabilitation. Working closely with Macmillan
Cancer means she can help clients before, during
and after treatments. Being fluent in English,
German and French gives her the ability to work
with a huge range of clients. To get in contact visit
stalwartwellness.co.uk or call 07779 670502.
Spire in Tunbridge Wells give us an
insight into the options...
What do you offer as part of a One Stop consultation? The
One Stop Breast Clinic is consultant led. Whether you need a
breast check or diagnosis of any symptoms, results are discussed
by consultants, radiologists, pathologists, breast care nurses
and oncologists. Within the clinic, patients have access to the
diagnostics they need including consultation, mammogram,
ultrasound and a biopsy if required, and all of our patients
have access to the latest advances in digital mammography. 3D
digital breast tomosynthesis has proven to increase detection
of breast cancer by 25% and has the capabilities of identifying
smaller cancers which can be easily missed. Running the One
Stop Breast Clinic means that patients can walk away feeling
informed of their health from just one appointment.
What are the surgical options? The most common benign
breast lump is called a fibroadenoma, which can be removed
radiologically under local anaesthetic. If this is larger or
cancerous, then surgery will be required. If the cancerous
tumour is particularly large, then chemotherapy or hormone
blocking tablets can aid in reducing the size, making surgery
possible. If a patient has significantly large breasts, there is
an option for therapeutic mammoplasty. This involves the
removal of the tumour alongside breast reshaping, often giving
a desirable cosmetic result. Axilla, or armpit surgery is also
necessary to evaluate the guardian node, or sentinel node, to
ensure the disease hasn’t spread into the lymph nodes. This is
done through a micro-bubble test which detects any spreading.
Some patients may require a mastectomy, in which case they’re
given the option of immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.
This can be carried out with either an implant and mesh, or
the patient’s own tissue.
Can you talk us through a mammogram consultation?
The surgeon would begin by explaining the rationale for a
mammogram, along with the potential risks involved. Typically,
two different views are taken of both breasts, but with the
addition of tomosynthesis one can obtain three dimensional
pictures, thus improving its sensitivity and the diagnostic
accuracy. During the tomosynthesis exam, breasts are placed
under compression while the x-ray arm of the mammography
machine makes an arc over the breast, taking a series of images
at a number of angles. This will only take a few seconds and
all of the images are viewed by the mammographer to ensure
adequate images have been captured for review by a specialist
radiologist.
Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital offers a comprehensive range of
services and facilities in a comfortable and relaxed environment
to patients in Kent and surrounding areas. for further
information on the treatments provided visit spirehealthcare.
com/tunbridgewells or call 01892 740047.
149 wealdentimes.co.uk