Notzarina Reevers To Open Breasthealth UK South Bank Clinic
Panto star keen to help younger women understand their risks
At 13:30 on 11 December 2009, actress and singer Notzarina Reevers – star of Dick Whittington at the Swan Theatre, Worcester – will officially launch BreastHealth UK’s new clinic at the Spire South Bank Hospital, which offers new types of screening to women of all ages.
“Young women should realise that it’s never too early to check yourself out,” said Notzarina, 26. “Although it’s rare, cancer can affect women of any age, and there are things you can do to help protect yourself. Being cautious is not the same as being paranoid.
“I’m delighted to be opening this new clinic and to be involved in encouraging women of all ages to take better care of their breast health.”
Notzarina will perform in the role of Alice in Dick Whittington at the Swan Theatre from 7 December to 3 January. She will officially launch the new BreastHealth UK clinic at the Spire South Bank Hospital on 11 December. The new clinic will ensure that women in Worcester and the surrounding region have fast-track access to experienced consultants and convenient, well-equipped and expertly-staffed facilities for breast care.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 35, and most new cases arise in women with no prior family history of the disease. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival and the less the personal trauma. As well as offering advanced screening technologies, the BHUK clinic will also have specialist nurses who can perform clinical breast examination and teach women how to check themselves properly.
“Unfortunately, a close friend of mine has cancer in her family. For someone in her position, who is concerned about breast cancer but doesn’t have any symptoms, it is very reassuring that BreastHealth UK clinics provide facilities for screening younger women,” said Notzarina.
Mr Steven Thrush, consultant breast surgeon at the BreastHealth UK South Bank clinic, said,
“One in nine women in the UK will develop breast cancer and last year around 45,000 new cases were diagnosed. I would encourage all women, regardless of age, to undertake regular self-examination, and to seek help if they discover anything unusual. If breast cancer does occur, catching it early is the best way to ensure a better outcome.”
The new South Bank clinic will be offering the Breast Health Risk Assessment test, which uses the latest genetic understanding coupled with lifestyle, medical and family history factors, to help gauge a woman’s personal risk, and enable the creation of an individual breast screening programme.
“Women aged 50-70 have access to the NHS screening programme but younger women also benefit from screening that is adapted to their needs.” explained Mr Thrush. “BreastHealth UK offers alternative approaches to suit women of all ages, enabling us to provide an enhanced service. Women can access our clinic quickly, and without a GP referral, which can be reassuring if they have a specific concern.”
The South Bank clinic will be one of the first to offer Digital Infrared BreastScan, which is a sophisticated non-contact screening technique that identifies ‘hot spots’ in breast tissue. It is particularly suitable for younger women.
“I’m delighted that BreastHealth UK is offering this service,” said Notzarina. “It can be hard for younger women to come to terms with needing screening, so having this comfortable and non-invasive infrared technology is very welcome.”
The new BreastHealth UK clinic will offer access to a personalised breast screening programme that may include mammography, clinical breast examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other screening technologies, depending on a woman’s personal level of risk and other circumstances.
Notzarina Reevers stars as Alice in Dick Whittington at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, from 7 December till 3 January. For information visit www.worcesterlive.co.uk
For more information about BreastHealth UK, visit www.breasthealthuk.com