Limitation / Constraints / Lacunae

Though the SGPGI Breast health program has had reasonable success, the department members are well aware of the limitations and lacunae of our activities. Some of these are:

Limited or modest patients numbers

It is felt that in context of huge population to which we cater and relatively high prevalence of breast diseases, the numbers of patients being treated by us is well below our potential. Some of the reasons for the limited patients numbers are:

• Lack of awareness amongst lay public and referring physicians and surgeons of breast surgery/services being available at SGPGI. The name of the department does not convey the fact that we carry out breast surgery too. Various efforts such as mass contact programmes, CMEs etc are being conducted, and it is felt that a change in name of the Department to Dept of Endocrine & Breast Surgery would be of definite help.
• Relatively High costs of treatment at SGPGIMS: Though not always in a justifiably or comparable manner, the cost of treatment at SGPGI is perceived as relatively high by most. This is partly because of the emphasis on quality and comprehensive investigative work-up and treatment, and partly because of limited resources. Efforts for organizing support from social and philanthropic organizations are underway.
• An overall low awareness for breast diseases in the population.

Infrastructural & Manpower constraints

Requests for specialized instruments such as digital mammography, dedicated breast ultrasonography, image guided biopsy system, etc have yet to be met by the institute.

The supportive services from specialists in plastic and reconstructive surgeons, palliative medicine and hospice care are felt.

A specific and exclusive area for breast clinic where clinical and investigative activities can be concentrated, as well as the day care surgical and adjuvant therapy can be carried out is still not available.

The need for services of a nurse educator and counselor and an effective patient support group are felt, the efforts for putting these activities in place have not borne results so far.