Women and men are encouraged to take advantage of the Triple Assessmenet Breast Clinic offered by the BVI Health Services Authority. Photo: Internet Source

(L-R) Talking Points Co-hosts Damion C. Grange, Mrs Violet Thomas-Gaul, guests Dr Fredrik Seuffer, Dr Aasha Marie Flax-Miller, and Co-Host Elvin Grant. Photo: Facebook

The Triple Assessment Breast Clinic accepts National Health Insurance (NHI). Photo: NHI

Dr Fredrik Seuffer and Dr Aasha Marie Flax-Miller from the BVIHSA were guests on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, February 10, 2025, to discuss the benefits of the Triple Assessment Clinic. 

The Virgin Islands (VI) joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Cancer Day on February 4, and the Ministry of Health and Social Development revealed that breast, colon and prostate cancers are the most prevalent in the Territory. 

The Triple Assessment Breast Clinic offers comprehensive breast cancer evaluations, ensuring timely diagnosis and care. 

3 services, 3 doctors, speedy service

Dr Seuffer said the clinic involves three services and three doctors (a Radiologist, Pathologist and Surgeon) involved in the process. 

“Me, as the surgeon, is the first doctor that sees the patient and will decide on further steps to take,” he explained.

The Triple Assessment Clinic takes place every first Tuesday of the month. Dr Flax-Miller said that patients do not need a recommendation from their primary care physician. 

She also said patients aged forty and above can walk into the clinic without a recommendation from their primary care physician for mammograms. 

The turnaround time, Dr Flax-Miller said, is another advantage of the clinic, as lab results, initial testing and additional markers, are returned within two weeks. 

“The Triple Assessment Clinic give you access, so it speeds up your access and, obviously, diagnosis and treatment,” Co-host Damion C. Grange, who works with the BVIHSA, added. 

Asked by Co-host Mrs Violet Thomas-Gaul if men are welcome at the clinic, Dr Seuffer said yes as men, too, can be diagnosed with breast cancer. 

“It’s seldom in men, but it is there…it accounts for about one percent of all breast cancer,” he explained.

NHI accepted @ clinic

The clinic also accepts National Health Insurance (NHI), Dr Flax-Miller said. 

“We have partnered with NHI, to a certain extent, I think we are still working out some of the kinks, but it’s meant to be a package deal, where you come in you get your mammogram, your biopsy,” Dr Flax-Miller said. 

She encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the clinic as early detection is important. 

“You need to listen to your bodies, take advantage of our Triple Assessment Breast Clinic, if you’re unsure, if you just want to know what’s going on with your body,” she urged. 

Dr Seuffer also encouraged members of the public to come to the clinic and said he hopes the numbers will increase and those who may receive a positive diagnosis can be filtered out and treated.