Early detection of breast cancer can save lives

What are the advantages of mammography? Isn't regular palpation of the breast sufficient?The aim is to detect breast cancer when it is still so small that it cannot be felt. In addition to the aggressiveness of the tumour, the prognosis depends largely on its size.
Unfortunately, thanks to mammography, I regularly discover foci of cancer that were not palpable in retrospect. Virtually all of these patients had a very good chance of beating the cancer. Some of them also urged their friends and daughters to have a mammogram because they were so convinced of the benefits of mammography.

There are also ultrasound examinations. Isn't that enough?
They are two complementary methods with advantages and disadvantages. Discrete, radiological distortions, but above all microcalcifications, which can occur in the early stages of breast cancer, would be missed if only the ultrasound examination was carried out.

How do you rate the benefits of mammography compared to the associated radiation exposure?
With our very modern device with minimal radiation exposure - comparable to a flight to America and back - the benefits of mammography clearly outweigh the risks.

The Basel Bethesda Hospital Breast Centre offers specific consultation hours in addition to screening for suspected breast cancer. Why is it so important to go to a certified breast centre?
Because all the teams of experts from the various specialisms work together here on an interdisciplinary basis and meet regularly to discuss cases. Specialists choose the best treatment together. In a breast centre with a high number of cases, the prognosis for a cure is better. This has been proven by studies in cancer medicine worldwide. At the Basel Bethesda Hospital Breast Centre, we treat between 200 and 300 patients a year and are regarded as highly experienced and leading in north-western Switzerland.