Breast Care Services

St. Luke’s tailors breast screening based on individual risk factors. A combination of carefully chosen screening exams may lead to a significant increase in early cancer detection while decreasing the amount of unnecessary return visits and biopsies.

Routine Breast Screening (Mammogram)

An annual screening mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is causing symptoms. When you come in to a St. Luke’s Women’s Imaging Center for a routine screening (a screening mammogram), you will be greeted by our friendly, professional staff in a comfortable and private environment. Our dedicated breast specialists will interview you in order to perform a comprehensive breast cancer risk analysis tailored specifically to your personal risk factors.

Diagnostic Breast Exam

Should you require a diagnostic exam, it means that an area of the breast requires further examination or you may be experiencing a new breast problem. A diagnostic exam may include a mammogram, ultrasound or a biopsy, as well as any other testing that may be appropriate. Should the diagnostic exam identify a problem, you will have the opportunity to speak with the breast health nurse navigator to ask questions about your diagnostic exam. Your referring physician will be notified immediately with the results.

Your breast health nurse navigator will provide you with ongoing support through education and routine follow-up calls.

A Personal Plan of Care

For the early detection of breast cancer, St. Luke’s and the American Cancer Society recommend the following guidelines:

Clinical Breast Exam

A clinical or physical exam should be performed by your doctor as part of your regular annual check-up. This should include a visual exam of your breasts, looking for changes in the skin, size and shape of the breast. The physician also should feel or palpate your breasts, checking for lumps. Discuss with your physician how often you should have a clinical exam.

Mammography

Beginning at age 40, you are encouraged to have a mammogram every year. Mammography is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes to perform.

Breast Awareness and Breast Self Examination

Your breasts will undergo changes throughout your lifetime. It is important to learn what is normal for you and report any changes to your doctor right away. Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams. By performing breast self-examination during the same timeframe every month, you will become very familiar with your breasts and can recognize a change if one occurs and talk to your physician about any changes you experience.

The St. Luke's Breast Care Team

• Our radiologists, technologists, nurses are highly skilled professionals with advanced certifications in breast imaging and breast health navigation.
• Your mammogram will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist who also serves as a consultant to your personal physician. Should further treatment be necessary, our breast health nurse navigators will reach out to you to schedule to appropriate diagnostic imaging tests.

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Imaging (Radiology) Services