Breast Health Services
Mills-Peninsula is among national leaders in five-year breast cancer survival rates, in part because of our Breast Cancer Center which detects more cancers at the earliest, most curable stages.
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.
See also our Preventive Health Guidelines.
Back to top
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 help you choose a physician.
Back to top
Comprehensive breast health services
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 the 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.
Stereotactic and ultrasound guided biopsy:
These procedures may be necessary if a mammogram detects something that needs a closer look to provide an accurate diagnosis. In both procedures, local anesthesia is provided and a tissue sample is extracted using a fine 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 magnetic resonance imaging procedures allow even more accurate diagnosis for women with special needs, such as previous breast cancer history or other risk factors.
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 cancer diagnosis experts at the Women's Center are happy to review and discuss your mammogram results and treatment recommendations from other providers.
Genetic counseling:
A nurse specialist 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.
Back to top
