Dedicated Mammography Centre Opens in Tygervalley
The Tygervalley Mammography Centre (TMC), a dedicated imaging centre focused on women’s health and the detection of breast cancer, launched on Thursday 18 August 2022 to meet the increased demand for cancer screening. The first stand-alone mammography centre in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, the opening of the centre coincided with Women’s Month.
The TMC was purpose-built by SCP Radiology, with women’s needs in mind. The centre provides the capacity needed to meet the increasing demand for mammography and ultrasound examinations in the area.
Breaking the mould for radiology centres, the TMC features elegant design and furnishings such as botanical wallpaper, warm lighting, contemporary furniture, creating a less clinical and much more comfortable and welcoming space in an effort to encourage women to screen annually.
“It is appropriate we open the centre during Women’s Month as the TMC recognises the unique circumstances and needs of women,” said Dr Salomine Theron, branch manager of the centre. “We offer an empathetic and comfortable space during what can be a challenging mental and physical experience for women.”
The centre has the modalities required for a dedicated, one-stop imaging service for female patients, including mammography and breast biopsies, as well as bone mineral densitometry. The services are provided by highly trained staff under the supervision of experienced and specialist radiologists, who play an integral part in and communicate with other clinicians in the full Circle of Care of the patients.
“We are extremely proud of what we have created at TMC. First and foremost, it is a centre of technological excellence in terms of advanced forms of mammography as well as staffing expertise and experience. Sharp images and smart technologies continue to help find invasive cancers regardless of age or breast density,” said Dr Theron, who works closely with Lelanie Terblanche, the head of department.
With World Health Organisation stats indicating over 2 million women are diagnosed each year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In South Africa, according to the National Cancer Registry (2017), one in 26 women is at risk of developing breast cancer, and it accounts for 16% of all cancer deaths.
“Global studies show that early detection, before the cancer has had time to spread, is the best way to ensure a positive outcome following treatment, and mammography is recognised as the only early detection tool,” said Dr Theron.
While medical practitioners will recommend screening regularity based on the individual’s circumstances, according to the Adapted Screening Guidelines average-risk women should have a risk assessment by age 30, with annual screening starting at age 40 with a mammography centre and mammography technicians.
“We expect the demand for mammography and women’s imaging services to continue to grow as more and more women recognise the importance of screening, and the TMC is ideally suited to meet this growing demand,” said Dr Theron. “A space where women who may be feeling anxious and vulnerable, can experience the reassurance of compassionate and expert care within a beautiful space.”
The TMC is located at Gihon Building, cnr Sportica Crescent and Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue, Bellville 7530. It operates from 08:00 am to 17.30pm. To book call 021 100 6140 or book online here.