Breast Health - Risk, Detection and Management

The Breast Health – Risk, Detection, and Management course is an in-depth program that empowers healthcare professionals to identify, assess, and manage breast health concerns effectively. Through three detailed units, the course covers risk factors, screening strategies, diagnostic techniques, and treatment pathways for a variety of breast conditions.

Unit 1: Risk Factors and Screening for Breast Cancer
This unit explores breast cancer risk assessment and screening strategies. Participants will learn to evaluate genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle risk factors, including BRCA mutations and family history, using validated tools like the FRA-BOC. The module outlines routine screening guidelines for different risk categories, including mammography and MRI recommendations for high-risk individuals. The importance of patient education on breast awareness and the potential benefits and limitations of screening are emphasised.

Unit 2: The Symptomatic Patient
Focusing on patients presenting with breast symptoms, this unit introduces the highly effective triple-test diagnostic approach: clinical examination, imaging, and non-excisional biopsy. Common symptoms like lumps, nipple discharge, and breast pain are examined alongside their benign and malignant causes. Red flags and diagnostic pathways for suspicious findings are discussed in detail, ensuring timely investigation and appropriate referrals.

Unit 3: Causes of Breast Disease
This unit provides a comprehensive overview of benign and malignant breast conditions. Topics include fibroadenomas, cysts, duct ectasia, mastitis, and various types of breast cancer. The unit also discusses the classification of breast diseases by anatomy and presentation. Participants will gain insights into the management of breast pain, the role of imaging, and surgical and medical treatment options for conditions ranging from simple cysts to invasive cancers.

This course combines best practices, clinical insights, and the latest evidence to enhance healthcare providers' ability to offer effective, empathetic, and timely care to patients with breast health concerns.