Breast Center

Overview

Holy Name Medical Center's Breast Center is certified by the American College of Radiology, earning the designation "Breast Center of Excellence." It offers the latest generation in screening and diagnostic technology, including 3D mammography, in a warm and beautiful space that focuses on patient care, safety and privacy.

A board-certified staff of radiologists, registered nurses and female breast imaging technologists offer comprehensive services with efficiency and sensitivity. Patients can have their breast care needs met at one location, during a single appointment.

Specialty Services:

• Imaging
• Surgery
• Medical Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Consultation with a radiologist for patients with a positive diagnosis
• All-female tech team with breast imaging certification
• Patient navigator for patients with a positive diagnosis
• Flexible hours, online or phone appointment scheduling, same-day if needed
• Separate entrance with valet parking
• Genetic counseling and testing

Imaging services:

• 3D (tomosynthesis) mammography
• Digital mammography
• Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration
• Core needle biopsy
• CAD (computer-assisted detection)
• 3D Stereotactic biopsy
• Bone density screenings

Screening and Self-Care

With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women; one in eight will develop the disease. The good news is that the death rate has been declining over the last decade, most likely due to earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

Women between the ages of 20 and 39 should have a regular breast exam every three years by their healthcare provider. Starting at age 40, women should have annual exams and mammograms, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Beginning in their 20s, women should perform breast self-exams. They should be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel, and report any new breast changes to a health professional immediately. Finding a breast change does not mean there is cancer, but you should be examined. The best time to perform a breast exam is when the breasts are not tender or swollen, or before menstruation. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breast implants can perform self-exams.

Breast Cancer Risk

Research on the causes or factors that contribute to breast cancer continues to show conflicting reports, but there are some behaviors and characteristics that may increase a woman's chances of developing the disease. Anyone with risk factors is urged to speak with her healthcare provider. But it should be noted that many women diagnosed with breast cancer do not fall into specific high-risk categories.

Risk factors:

• Gender, females are more prone than men
• Age, breast cancer is more prevalent in women over 50
• Never having given birth
• Oral contraceptive use
• Hormone therapy after menopause
• Alcohol consumption
• Being overweight or obese
• Genetic factors, having mutated genes such as BRCA1/BRCA 2
• Family history of breast cancer
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Race and ethnicity - white women over age 45 have a higher incidence but for younger women, the incidence is higher in African-American women
• Dense breast tissue
• Early onset of menstrual periods