Successful treatment of Jennifer Saunders’ breast cancer
2010.07.09

I was delighted to read in the news this week about the successful outcome of Jennifer Saunders’ treatment for breast cancer. Although official details are scant, it would seem that early diagnosis and intervention has greatly improved the effectiveness her treatment.
At The London Breast Institute here at The Princess Grace Hospital, we have one of largest private screening units in London and see '000s of women every year. Our Medical Director, Dr Nick Perry, is one of the pioneers of digital mammography particularly in younger women and we were the first hospital in the UK to use this technology ten years ago. Nick is a strong advocate of early breast screening and recommends this for women over 40. He says, ““Screening women between 40 and 50 saves lives and is routine in the USA. Breast Cancer is the commonest cause of death in women aged 35-54, and 40% of all life years lost to breast cancer are attributable to women under 50 who are diagnosed outside of a screening programme. Younger women tend to have more aggressive tumours and therefore can gain the most from early detection. Digital mammograms perform better and find more cancers.”

At the London Breast Institute we run a one-stop breast clinic and anyone can make an appointment for the following day for a mammogram without referral from a GP. There are others centres around London offering a similar service. So if you are between 40 and 50 and haven’t yet had a mammogram, then you should certainly consider having one – there is a cost attached but it is a relatively small price to pay compared with the peace of mind of knowing that you are well, or at the very worst that you can find out while the cancer is likely to be more easily treated.


Contact the London Breast Institute