Breast screenings can be anxiety-inducing, and facing breast cancer is life-changing. At Solis and Luma, we prioritise open communication and compassionate care to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Called Back After Mammogram: Finding Clarity
Catching breast cancer early can make it easier to treat and improve survival, which is why regular screenings are crucial[1]. While screenings can be stressful enough, receiving a recall—callback for additional tests—can add to that anxiety. You may worry about what a recall might mean. Remember, a recall does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer[2].
1. Specialised Experts
If you are recalled, you will likely have a diagnostic mammogram to examine a suspicious area, and some patients may also have a breast ultrasound[2]. The breast sub-specialised sonographers and radiologists at Luma are skilled at spotting subtle signs of cancer. Using advanced technology such as 3D mammograms, they provide greater clarity and accuracy.
2. Mammogram with Greater Precision
A 3D mammogram (or digital breast tomosynthesis) takes multiple X-ray images of your breasts from different angles, creating a detailed 3D image[3]. Research shows this method increases detection of invasive cancers by almost 54% and reduces callbacks for repeat tests by about 37%[4].
3. Clear Explanations
Feeling a mix of emotions—such as disbelief, anxiety, or fear—after a recall is normal[2]. Studies show that the attitude of clinic staff, quality of information provided and the physical environment can affect one’s satisfaction[5].
Solis’ all-female surgical team is here to reassure you and answer your questions, providing an affirming space where your concerns are heard. Clear explanations of test results can help bring you peace amid uncertainty[5].
Newly-Diagnosed: Now What?
While not every abnormal mammogram result indicates breast cancer, receiving such test results and facing a diagnosis can be overwhelming. You may be full of uncertainty on what to expect next. Patients appreciate clear information throughout their journey, from their disease and treatment options to psychosocial and supportive care[6].
1. Shorter Wait Times
Waiting to start treatment can be stressful. It is common to worry that delays may affect outcomes or that your cancer may spread before treatment begins[7]. That is why Solis partners with Luma to offer seamless care under one roof. This allows you to access all your breast care needs from warm staff and an expert team—all while keeping wait times minimal.
2. Financial Advice
Worries about treatment costs and their impact on family can be a heavy burden for many patients. Understanding your financial options and finding support can help ease some of the stress[6]. Solis offers personalised financial advice tailored to your specific symptoms, treatments and circumstances.
3. Personalised Care Plans
A multidisciplinary approach helps address the complex needs of each patient, ensuring appropriate and effective care[8]. In weekly multidisciplinary tumour board sessions, Solis’ doctors and Luma’s radiologists and pathologist discuss treatment recommendations with partner oncology experts. Each patient receives tailored practice recommendations without the stress of navigating multiple opinions alone.
4. Female Surgical Team
Before surgery, you may worry about changes to your body. Solis’ experienced female surgeons specialise in advanced breast-conserving techniques, such as oncoplastic breast surgery. Combining cancer surgery and plastic surgery techniques, it allows for tumour removal while preserving the breast, thereby improving a patient’s quality of life[9]. It can be done in a single surgery, reducing the need for more operations[10].
5. Same-Day Surgery
At Luma’s Day Surgery Operating Theatre (DSOT), many patients—especially those with early-stage cancers—can often have surgery and return home on the same day. An on-site pathologist can assess surgical specimens for the margins of clearance (healthy tissue surgically removed with the cancer) in real-time during procedures[11]. This ensures complete cancer removal and minimises the chance of needing a second surgery.
Life Beyond Treatment
1. Post-Treatment Care
Battling breast cancer and going through treatment can affect your self-esteem and identity[12]. Partnering with organisations such as Can-Care Asia, Solis offers personalised care that goes beyond just treatment. To help you feel more comfortable and confident, Can-Care offers high-quality post-care products, including breast prostheses, mastectomy bras, wigs, hair care items and more.
2. Strength in Community
Support from counsellors and connecting with other survivors can empower you, relieve anxiety and enhance quality of life[6]. Club Solis is a supportive network for Solis patients to connect and uplift each other. Through engagement events and inspiring stories from fellow pink warriors, you can find reassurance and the courage to take ownership of your journey.
Whether you’re going for screening or require treatment, remember: you are not alone. The expert multidisciplinary team at Solis and Luma is here to make sure you feel informed, supported and cared for at every stage of your breast health journey.
References
[1] Cancer Research UK, Survival for Breast Cancer
[2] American Cancer Society, Getting Called Back After a Mammogram
[3] Breastcancer.org, Mammography Technique and Types
[4] Implementation of Breast Tomosynthesis in a Routine Screening Practice: An Observational Study
[6] What information do cancer patients want and how well are their needs being met?
[9] Oncoplastic breast surgery
[10] American Cancer Society, Breast Reconstruction After Breast-conserving Surgery
[11] Breastcancer.org, Breast Cancer Surgical Margins
[12] Irish Cancer Society, Body image and self-esteem after breast cancer
