Breast Health Center

Cancer is a terrifying disease, and considering that breast cancer is the third most common cause of death for women in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan is excited about opening their new comprehensive breast care facility. Reassuringly, most breast problems are benign; however, it is prudent that all women should have their breast concerns properly assessed by experienced doctors, as early detection and treatment of breast cancer saves lives.

Being a Christian Institution, our main concern is for the optimum health of all members of the community. Not only do we heal disease, but we provide health education aimed at reducing the incidence of future ill health in our patients.

Multidisciplinary Team

Our new Breast Health Center is supported by anexperienced team of specialists comprising breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, plastic surgeons, experienced nurses, physiotherapists, pathologists and counselors, who together, will share the care of each patient offering individual tailor-made treatment plans.

Scope Of Services

To identify potential new cases by Breast Screening Package, triple assessment* or investigations such as Breast Examination/ Mammogram/ Ultrasound Breast (Bilateral/Unilateral)/ Core Biopsy/ MRI Breasts.
To provide timely, person-centred standard treatment plan for the clients that follow up by Breast surgeon which additional imaging/staging (Core Biopsy/ Mammotome/ MRI Breasts/PET-CT scan/Blood test) will be arranged.
To access for appropriate high quality support and advocacy for options and services to meet the individual needs of clients and their care givers.
To arrange and perform the Breast surgery by the surgeon with specific training and expert experience.
To provide pre- & post-operative services including assessment, education, counselling, evaluation, introduction of admission and discharge plan, post-op wound and drain management, post-op complication management, post-op lymphedema care with exercise and education if necessary.
To support the patient pathway by the appropriate trained nursing and allied health professionals.
To arrange further referral to clinical oncologist and oncology nurse for adjuvant therapy if necessary.
*Triple assessment- clinical examination, MMG/USG and needle biopsy

Comprehensive Service

The new Breast Health Center at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan will provide a full range of in-house breast health services, from screening, clinical examination and diagnosis, to treatment, counseling and aftercare. Digital mammography, ultrasound, MRI and biopsy facilities will ensure prompt and accurate diagnosis. The most current surgical treatment options will also be available, and these include breast-conserving surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy and breast reconstruction.

Specialized Care Program

Tailor-made treatment plan

A specialist breast surgeon will follow the client in the first visit till the treatment completion
Tailor-made treatment plan is unique to design for each client which aim to provide most suitable and tolerable treatment for the client
Post-operative follow up and follow up investigation will be arranged according to client’s need
A specialist nurse will follow the clients in the first visit till the treatment completion
Call-back system is implemented for missing the future regular check up
Enquiry hotline is provided for client to solve their needs and questions

One-Stop Care

Most services and treatments are provided in one facility so care is convenient for the patient. Care is given in a supportive environment, and consultation rooms and imaging areas are designed for the comfort of patients.

One-to-one specialist nurse will follow the treatment journey of the client.

Facilitates timely access to quality health by arrangement of clinic follow up, investigations, operation date, post-op follow-up & investigations.
Accompanied client and their care givers to provide psychological supports in breaking of bad news and the whole treatment journey.
Provide (pre- & post-op) education, wound management and counselling e.g. nature of disease treatment plan (types of operation offered by surgeons), post-op wounds and drain care, post-op complication, post-op lymphedema care and education, briefly introduce admission and discharge plan.
Coordinate multi-disciplinary team activity (Physiotherapy, Lifestyle management, Dietitian etc.).
Communicate and coordinate a patient-centered plan of care with surgeon, ward nurses and other health care professionals.
Provide information and support of patients’ post-op needs such as prosthesis, underwear, wag, nutrition information or supplements etc.
Monitor post-treatment progress.

Our services include :

Diagnostic Radiology	Mammography, Ultrasonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), etc.
Interventional Radiology	Ultrasound-guided Core Needle Biopsy, etc.
Laboratory Tests	Laboratory and Pathology Services
Surgical Services	Breast Conservation (Lumpectomy) Mastectomy, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Skin Sparing Mastectomy, Breast Reconstruction, etc.
Oncology	Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Hormonal Manipulation, etc.
Physical Therapy	Postoperative arm lymphedema evaluation with exercise and treatment
Psychosocial Support

Common Breast Problems

The Breast Health Center evaluates and treats patients with a wide variety of breast-related concerns or complications, including:

Abnormal mammogram and/or ultrasound scan
Atypical hyperplasia of the breast
Benign breast changes
Breast lumps
Breast pain
Breast cancer
Breast skin change and deformity
Fibrocystic disorder
Nipple retraction
Nipple discharge
Fibroadenoma

Research shows that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome after treatment. Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan looks forward to meeting your needs in this particular area of medicine with the opening of our new facility, the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan Breast Health Center of Excellence.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

We offer multiple and flexible packages. Patients should consult with their doctors as to which package(s) best suits their particular needs.

Mammogram
Ultrasound Breasts (Bilateral)
Mammogram and Ultrasound Breasts (Bilateral)
Core Biopsy of Breast (One lesion)
Core Biopsy of Breast (more than one lesion)

Our Center ensures that your appointment will be promptly scheduled with one of our breast specialists to reduce your anxiety. If it is shown that you do have breast cancer, you and your physician can begin to plan your care right away.

Please contact Breast Health Center for more information.
Telephone : (852) 5506 3188

Breast Screening Packages

As medical technology advances, the number of sophisticated tests keep on increasing. We believe that more is not always the better.

Therefore we have devised the following service packages for patients with different needs to allow them to spend their financial resources in a cost-effective manner.

Our staff in the Breast Health Center would advice you on how to choose a plan most suitable for you.

Breast Screening Packages (only apply to out-patient)	Plan 1	Plan 2	Plan 3
Consultation by Specialist, Nursing Team, Detailed Medical History, Breast Examination	✔	✔	✔
2D Mammogram (Bilateral)	✔		✔
Ultrasound Breasts (Bilateral)		✔	✔
Detailed Medical Report Explanation by Physician	✔	✔	✔
Price	$1,900	$1,900	$2,700
(only apply to out-patient)	Plan 4#
Core Biopsy of Breast (1 Lesion)	✔
Price	$6,000
Discounted Price *	$4,800

Plan 4 can only be eligible for individuals who have participated in Plan 1, 2, and 3 within 3 months.
Plan 4 price includes the fee for one lesion examination only; laboratory tests and follow-up consultation fees are excluded.
If multiple lesions are found during the Ultrasound Breasts examination, an additional fee will be charged for each lesion in the Core Biopsy of the Breast. Please contact our staff for more information.
The Hospital reserves the right to make changes or amendments without prior notification.
For the latest information, please visit our website at www.twah.org.hk.

* Breast Screening Program is only eligible for regular checkups; If a patient experiences any breast discomfort or abnormalities or has undergone breast surgery, please contact a specialist for assessment before scheduling the screening.
* Please read the Breast Health Center Brochure for details.
* Online Reservation : https://www.twah.org.hk/en/make-an-appointment

FAQ on Breast Health Center

Part I: General Information
Part II: About Our Breast Health Center
Part III : About the Breast Examination
Part IV: Breast Disease Information
Part V : Other questions

Part I: General Information

What are the office hours of the Breast Health Center?
The Breast Health Center is open to patients from Sunday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, and closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays.

Is it necessary to be referred by a General Practitioner before making an appointment?
Our staff can arrange a Specialist booking on your behalf, so just contact us directly.

How do I arrange a booking?
Please telephone us on: 5506 3188 and our staff will arrange an appointment with a Specialist. You may also leave your message on WhatsApp or call the Hospital Hotline 2275 6688.

What do I do if I wish to cancel a booking?
If it is necessary for you to cancel your booking, please notify the Breast Health Center staff immediately, by telephoning them on: 5506 3188. You may also leave your message on WhatsApp.

What can I expect in regard to the cost?
The Breast Health Center provides multiple flexible Breast Examination Packages for patients with different needs. Additional information is also available in the Breast Health Center Leaflet, or on our hospital website: www.twah.org.hk
Your doctor will also supply you with any information you require at the time of your consultation.

Acceptable methods of payment?
Payment by cash, credit card, or EPS is acceptable.

Part II: About Our Breast Health Center

What services will the Center provide?
The Breast Health Center will provide a full range of in-house breast health services, such as screening, clinical examinations, treatment, counseling, and aftercare.

Will there be a specialist support team available in the Breast Health Center?
Our Breast Health Center will be supported by an experienced team of specialists, comprising breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, plastic surgeons, experienced nurses, physiotherapists, pathologists and counselors, who together, will share the care of each patient, offering individual tailor-made treatment plans.

Does the Breast Health Center have a special feature?
Our Center provides a multidisciplinary team of specialists, offering individual tailor-made treatment plans, however, we also have the advantage of female specialists on our staff, which naturally reduces the reluctance and embarrassment many women would otherwise feel when seeking advice on breast health. Using state-of-the-art technology and the one-stop service we offer, we are able to provide an accurate diagnosis and an updated treatment plan.

Part III : About the Breast Examination

When is it necessary to have a breast examination?
Women should begin examining their breasts from the age of 20, or after the first menstrual cycle. It is advisable to carry out self examination of the breasts monthly, and undergo regular check-ups with your doctor every 2-3 years. For women over the age of 35, regular mammography and breast ultrasound should be performed every 1-2 years.

Why is it necessary to have a regular breast examination?
Research shows that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome. Early detection can increase the prospect of cure and therefore save lives, particularly in the case of early stage cancers (Stage 0 - Stage 1).

What methods are used for examining the breast?
Apart from monthly breast self-examination, it is advisable to have an annual check-up performed by your doctor. If necessary, your doctor will also advise you to undergo a Mammogram and an Ultrasound of the breast. Your doctor will advise you if any further tests, such as core biopsy, are necessary to confirm or exclude cancer.

When is the best time to perform breast self-examination and how long should it take?
The most effective time to perform self-examination is between the 7th and 10th days after the start of your period. Postmenopausal women are advised to examine their breasts on the first day of each month. Self examination should only takes 5-10 minutes. Additional information regarding the procedure, as well as various hints on breast self-examination, are available in our "Breast Self-Examination Brochure". Please feel free to request a brochure from our staff in the Breast Health Center at our hospital, or check out our hospital website for further information. Our doctors and nurses are also happy to answer any questions you may have.

Is it necessary to undergo regular breast examination during pregnancy?
Regular breast examination should still be performed during pregnancy. For further information or inquiries, please feel free to discuss this with your doctor.

How do I decide between having a Mammogram or a Breast Ultrasound?
Your doctor will advise you regarding which examination is most suitable for you, taking into consideration your age, and any risk factors you may have, such as the hereditary factor and your individual medical history. Women over the age of 40 are advised to undergo mammograms every two years, whereas Ultrasound is usually performed on women aged 35 and over.

Will an MRI or a CT Scan be available at HKAH–TW if required?
These services are available at HKAH–TW.

How long will I have to wait to get the examination results after undergoing tests for suspected breast disease?
It takes 2-3 days to get the results following a Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound, or a core biopsy procedure.

What happens when you have a breast biopsy, and how long does it take?
This procedure is called a "Core biopsy / Fine Needle Aspiration" and it is performed under local anesthesia, and takes just 5-10 minutes. The test results will be available for collection within 2-3 working days.

Part IV: Breast Disease Information

If I discover a breast lump, does it mean I have breast cancer?
A breast lump does not necessarily indicate you have cancer. Most breast lumps are in fact benign. It is important however to consult your doctor immediately and have the breast thoroughly examined.

What are the symptoms of breast disease?
The common symptoms are:
>Breast pain
>Breast lump
>Puckering, dimpling or bulging of skin
>Nipple inversion and/or any abnormal discharge
>Asymmetry
Consult your doctor immediately if you discover any of the above symptoms.

Apart from breast cancer, are there any other breast diseases?
Hyperplasia of the lacteal gland, breast cysts, and acute mastitis, are also common breast diseases.

Is it essential to undergo total mastectomy if I have breast cancer?
The aim of surgery is to remove all of the cancerous tissue, and the options lie between having a total mastectomy, or undergoing the more limited breast conserving form of surgery. Total mastectomy is the excision of the entire breast and lymphoid tissue, whilst the more limited method of breast conserving surgery retains most of the breast tissue. Adjuvant therapy such as radiation is also used to reduce the chances of recurrent disease. After detailed discussion with the patient and providing a full explanation, the specialist will outline an individual tailor-made treatment plan.

Apart from surgery, are there other methods for curing breast cancer?
Surgery is the most effective method for curing breast cancer. There are other adjuvant therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and monoclonal antibody treatments. Your doctor will advise you on which treatment will be the most effective for you.

How to minimize physical disfigurement caused by surgery?
Radical surgery for breast cancer not only affects a woman's physical appearance, it also has considerable psychological consequences, such as a reduction in self confidence, and an impaired self image. Breast reconstruction following surgery can prove very rewarding for some women, and in most cases, results in a breast of very similar appearance to that of the normal breast.
Experienced plastic surgeons will advise you of the options available in regard to breast reconstruction, as well as aftercare counseling.