Breast Health Services
A tradition of quality you can trust
Since opening in 1994, Mills-Peninsula’s Breast Center has established a record of excellence. Eighty percent of screening detected breast cancers are at state 0 or stage 1, when they are most curable.
Expanded breast center services in the Women’s Center (5th floor) include the area’s first full-field digital mammography, breast MRI and a well-established, minimally invasive breast biopsy program. All radiologist physicians are board certified and have highly specialized training in the services they provide.
Dr. Harriet Borofsky, medical director, Mills-Peninsula’s Women's Center, shows us technological advances in today's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Comprehensive Breast Health Services
Mills-Peninsula radiologist, Diana Baker, M.D., takes you into an ultrasound exam room at the Women’s Center to explain the simple, painless exam.
Digital mammography:
Studies have shown digital mammography improves detection in women with dense breast tissue, those under the age of 50 and those in pre- or post-menopause. The Women's Center uses this advanced technology for all women.
Digital mammography offers higher-contrast images that improve detection. Instead of film, images are displayed on a computer monitor where they can be enhanced or magnified for a closer look.
The procedure is the same as for conventional mammography, but the new technology allows a quicker exam with a lower dose of radiation. Because the images are immediately available, there is less need to call women back for additional views, and the images can be sent instantly to the woman's doctor.
When should I have a mammogram?
Women should have a mammogram once a year starting at the age of 40. The risk of breast cancer does go up with age - in fact the two main risk factors are gender and getting older. Read our Preventive Health Guidelines
Do I need a referral?
If you have a personal physician, she or he can provide you with a referral to the Women’s Center. You can also self-refer, and we will ensure that you receive information for appropriate follow-up.
Stereotactic, ultrasound and MRI-guided biopsy:
These procedures may be necessary if a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) detects something that needs further evaluation to provide an accurate diagnosis. In these procedures, local anesthesia is provided and a tissue sample is extracted using a needle.
Ultrasound biopsy uses sound waves that outline the tissues, creating images that help the doctor guide the needle to the site.
Stereotactic biopsy pinpoints the area of concern using X-ray images from more than one direction. A computer plots the exact area and guides the needle insertion.
Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging):
Special MRI procedures allow specialized imaging evaluation when indicated, such as women with newly diagnosed breast cancer for surgical planning and women who are at particular high-risk for breast cancer.
Multidisciplinary doctor review:
A panel of expert physicians including internal medicine doctors, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists and pathologists meets weekly to review all new breast cancer diagnoses.
Second opinion service:
The breast imaging experts at the Women's Center are happy to review and discuss your mammogram results and follow-up recommendations from other providers.
Genetic counseling:
A genetic counselor can help you determine your risk for breast cancer based on family experience. Recommendations for women who are found to be at higher risk might include testing for genetic mutations.
Breast Cancer Clinic:
Women newly diagnosed with breast cancer at the Women's Center have a comprehensive new resource - the Breast Cancer Clinic at Mills-Peninsula's Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center, just downstairs. In one appointment, all the doctors you need to help make treatment decisions come together for you. As appropriate, individual consultations are provided with a surgeon, medical and radiation oncologists and plastic surgeon. A nurse specialist guides the process.