More than 50,000 appointments over 10 years at Breast Health Office

East Tallinn Central Hospital Breast Health Office celebrates 10 years of operation in March. During this time, the office has seen more than 50,000 patients. The office was set up to provide a place to turn to with any breast-related questions or concerns and get the necessary medical care quickly and conveniently.

According to Chief Physician and Mammologist Gabor Szirko, over the past ten years, the office has transformed into a modern breast centre where people can get help with basic breast issues as well as cancer treatment.

“We have modern diagnostic and treatment facilities at our disposal, which, combined with our substantial experience, allow us to offer the best service,” says Dr Szirko. “I would like to point out that in the last ten years, treatment has become much more patient-friendly, and there has been a major shift in the attitude towards the health of a woman with breast cancer as a whole.

In the past, the objective for a doctor was to push as hard as possible to fight cancer, while today, we take care of any cancer treatment-related needs the patient has – this includes preserving the integrity of the body as much as possible through the use of more sustainable surgery and plastic surgery, looking after mental and social health through rehabilitation, social work, psychology and fertility care and integrating many other team members into the treatment. We strive to ensure that patients are fully supported and informed about the choices and effects of treatment and also strive to be the leaders in this field.”

To ensure a smoother and safer treatment journey for breast cancer patients, the hospital is currently running a nurse and case manager pilot project, in which patients and their loved ones have a single point of contact at the hospital throughout the treatment journey.

All women who want to have their breasts checked or who have complaints related to their breasts can make an appointment at the Breast Health Office. The breast examination is performed by experienced gynaecologists and midwives. The patient is referred for further testing if needed. For breast problems requiring urgent intervention, mammography can be performed on the same day as the appointment. The office also provides help and instructions for independent breast examination.

A referral is not necessary to make an appointment with a gynaecologist or a midwife at the Breast Health Office.