The Department of Breast Surgery, Tokyo Rosai Hospital

Our hospital has been staffed by a full-time breast specialist since October 2020. The target diseases include breast cancer as well as benign diseases such as fibroadenoma and mastopathy, and we are in charge of everything from diagnosis to treatment and palliative care.

In addition to breast cancer treatment, we also proactively introduced medical checkups and established an in-house system for acceptance and self-funded breast cancer examinations in Ota Ward.

All processes, from medical checkups to examination and treatment, can be completed in the hospital, with speedy introduction of treatment within one month after the diagnosis is confirmed. In 2021, we will acquire a facility affiliated with the Breast Cancer Society, enabling us to provide medical care comparable to that of large hospitals.

Treatment of Breast Cancer

In Japan, it is estimated that more than 90,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, with one in nine women now suffering from breast cancer, making breast cancer the leading cause of cancer among women. The disease first peaks in the late 40s and then again in the 60s. Since they can be in the so-called “working age” generation with many social roles, we will not only provide treatment, but also take into consideration their mental and social backgrounds.

Treatment is based on guidelines and scientific evidence, and includes surgery, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and other multidisciplinary treatments. Team medical care is provided not only by physicians, but also by pharmacists, nurses, and various other professionals working together.

In addition, 5-10% of breast cancers include “hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome,” in which the risk of developing cancer is increased due to mutations in the BRCA gene, and the risk of developing ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer, as well as breast cancer, increases when a person has a genetic mutation. From March 2021, an outpatient clinic for hereditary tumors will be established, and BRCA genetic testing can be performed in the hospital (however, certain conditions are required for the test). After the results of the examination, genetic counseling will be provided as necessary. For genetic counseling and testing of family members, we will refer you to our affiliated facility, Showa University Hospital.

*Outpatient Genetic Tumor Clinic offers not only breast cancer, but also genetic testing and hereditary tumors that are currently covered by insurance. Please consult with us at any time.

Breast Cancer Screening

Mammography screening for women over 40 years of age is scientifically proven to reduce breast cancer mortality, and is currently offered by local government (ward) screening in Japan. On the other hand, when breast density is high, mammography has been problematic in reducing the cancer detection rate as a “lump”. While ultrasound can increase the detection rate when used in combination with mammography, it has many problems, such as a high rate of screening required, difficulty in observing calcification, and human factors, and is currently a self-funded examination.

In addition, in April 2023, the mammography equipment was renewed, enabling 3D mammography (Tomosynthesis) imaging. It is difficult to find the “lump” by a single image due to overlap with the mammary glands, because the breast is a thick organ. 3D mammography is a technology that makes it easier to find even the deepest “lumps” by creating multiple images at low doses and reconstructing tomographic images while moving the X-ray tube. Although studies in Europe and the U.S. have established its usefulness in medical checkups, it is currently not supported by local government checkups in Japan and it is treated as a self-funded checkup. 3D mammography screening is only available at our hospital in Ota Ward.

We actively encourage self-funded checkups and will make every effort to provide preventive medicine. We will inform you about the results of your medical checkups by mail.

Date & Time: Every Monday – Thursday, 13:30 – 16:00, Appointment only