Breast health

We offer a full range of breast health services, from preventive and diagnostic screening to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. These services are provided in a convenient and compassionate setting.

If breast cancer is detected, our highly trained and dedicated care team works closely with you to plan and execute the best course of treatment. We take a team approach to care, meaning we have breast health specialists from various medical disciplines within our breast care program. This ensures we can provide comprehensive care, regardless of your diagnosis.

Our breast care teams include:

• Breast surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Radiology technicians
• Surgical oncologists

Our breast care specialists have experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including:

• Breast cancer
• Breast cysts/Fibroadenoma
• Benign and malignant Phyllodes tumor
• Breast pain
• Nipple discharge
• Swelling of breasts

The American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology and Society for Breast Imaging recommend annual screening mammograms beginning at 40 years old for women who have an average risk of developing breast cancer. Talking to your doctor about your risk factors and when you should begin annual screenings is essential.

We offer access to a wide range of breast screening and diagnostic services as a critical component of our comprehensive diagnostic imaging program, including:

• Screening mammography: Screening mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers when they are most curable.
• Diagnostic mammography:Diagnostic mammography evaluates abnormal clinical findings, such as a breast lump you or your doctor found. A diagnostic mammogram may also be performed after an abnormal mammogram to assess areas of concern on the screening exam.
• Digital 3D mammography (tomosynthesis):Digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, takes several X-rays at different angles to create a 3D breast image. This technique has the potential to significantly increase the cancer detection rate in women with dense breast tissue.
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Breast MRI may be used for annual screening for women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer based on a family history of cancer. It can also be used as a supplemental diagnostic tool to increase the sensitivity of mammography and ultrasound.
• Molecular breast imaging (MBI): MBI uses a radioactive tracer that "lights up" abnormal areas inside the breast. When used in addition to mammography, MBI can provide screening for women who have an intermediate risk of breast cancer. For women with dense breast tissue, finding cancer with MBI is more successful than with traditional mammography alone.
• Automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS): Breast ultrasound is a procedure that may be used to determine whether a lump is a cyst (a sac filled with fluid) or a solid mass. ABUS improves cancer detection by 35 percent over mammography in women with dense breast tissue. It looks at dense breast tissue differently to find cancer that mammography may not reveal. ABUS is used most commonly in conjunction with mammography, not as a replacement for mammography.
• Stereotactic-guided breast biopsy:Stereotactic breast biopsy uses mammography-guided imaging to remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. It is less invasive than a surgical biopsy, leaves little to no scarring and can be an excellent way to evaluate calcium deposits or tiny masses that are not visible on an ultrasound.
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy:A biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue or cells. In an ultrasound-guided biopsy, a radiologist uses ultrasound imaging to locate the lump or abnormality being biopsied. The sample is then examined under a microscope to aid in diagnosis.

Call our scheduling team at (877) 331-7007 to schedule a mammogram.

Our Dense Breast Program identifies women with dense breast tissue, which mammograms can only determine. Because dense breast tissue can make some cancers difficult to find, the Dense Breast Program offers specialized breast imaging, including:

• Automated breast ultrasound system
• Breast MRI
• Digital 3D mammography
• Image-guided breast biopsy
• Molecular breast imaging

This program is designed around advanced technology to improve breast cancer detection. When you receive your result, you will be informed of your level of breast density and provided with a recommended surveillance plan.

To learn more or ask other questions, call (561) 548-1578 to speak to a breast health specialist.

Our doctors know that knowledge is the best defense against breast cancer. Because of this, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the risk factors for developing breast cancer so you can make informed choices about when you may need screening.

The following factors may indicate a higher risk for developing breast cancer:

• Age — The chance of developing breast cancer increases as a woman gets older.
• Breast density — Having dense breasts can increase your likelihood of developing breast cancer.
• Genes — Women whose family members have had breast or ovarian cancer may be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Personal factors — Personal factors that place women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer include beginning a menstrual cycle before 12 years old or going through menopause after 55 years old.

Additional breast cancer risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Drinking alcohol
• Not having children or having your first child after 35 years old
• Taking birth control pills
• Using hormone replacement therapy (also called menopausal hormone therapy)

If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms of breast cancer, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening:

• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Dimpling of the breast
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Pain in the nipple area
• Redness or irritation in the nipple area
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast

Depending on the type of breast imaging procedure you are receiving, several suggested guidelines exist to maximize comfort and limit wait times.

You can talk to your healthcare provider about additional instructions. However, the following are general guidelines to help you prepare for your exam:

• Do not wear any lotions, deodorants or powders.
• Wear a two-piece outfit.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time.
• Bring photo ID and insurance cards.
• Bring prior imaging results if you have them at home.

When coming in for a breast biopsy, we suggest wearing a comfortable bra and speaking with your doctor before the procedure. Ask them about medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to take or avoid before your biopsy.

With our accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers of the American College of Surgeons (NAPBC), we are committed to providing the highest standard of care and breast health services. As part of our dedication to excellence in cancer care, we offer the following breast cancer services:

• Breast surgery— Breast surgical options can include oncoplastic surgery and a reduction lumpectomy. We strive to conserve as much of the breast as possible when possible.
• Medical oncology— We offer a range of medical therapies, including endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and targeted monoclonal antibody therapy.
• Nurse navigators—Our nurse navigators create a supportive environment and facilitate communication with your treatment team. They will also address your physical, spiritual and psychological needs.
• Nutritional services— Our licensed dietitians provide education on proper diet and nutrition during your treatment regimen and into survivorship. They also offer private nutrition sessions.
• Physical and occupational therapies — Our licensed physical and occupational therapists are available to provide physical therapy, education and prevention techniques for cancer-related side effects, such as lymphedema and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Radiation oncology— We offer both partial and whole breast radiation services.
• Social services— A licensed mental health counselor will meet with you to talk about your emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs during this time. We can also provide information on support services and community resources.
• Support groups— We offer a breast cancer support group where you can share your experiences and concerns with other breast cancer patients.
• Survivorship care program— After cancer treatment, one of our advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) is there to provide an individualized survivorship care plan.

The BRCA test screens for specific genes that increase your risk of breast cancer. We offer genetic testing and counseling for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that address cancer resulting from this genetic mutation. We also provide testing if you have a family history of breast cancer.

When you come to our hospital for breast cancer care, you will receive care from a wide range of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, including:

• Breast imaging specialists
• Community liaison representatives
• Fellowship-trained breast surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Nurse navigators
• Nutritionists
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Plastic surgeons
• Radiation oncologists
• Research specialists
• Social workers
• Survivorship care nurse practitioners