Breast Care

Working in partnership with you, we guide you through every step of your breast health journey. We support you with free risk assessments as well as regular, age-appropriate exams, yearly mammograms and follow-up appointments.

Breast Screening Services Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast Screening Services

The statistics are hard to ignore. One woman in eight will get breast cancer in her lifetime, and 85% of those who are diagnosed have no family history of breast cancer.

Mammography plays an important role in early detection of breast cancer, even before you or your health care provider may see or feel changes in the breast. The American College of Radiology and Society for Breast Imaging recommend annual screening mammography starting at age 40.

Our specialists use some of the most sophisticated radiologic and diagnostic technology to detect breast cancers as early as possible. With the ability to render the clearest images, our experts work together to accurately determine if there are any abnormalities within your breasts and diagnose accordingly.

We invest in the latest technology to treat you at any stage, from screening for risks to receiving breast cancer treatment. Our trained nurses and oncological breast specialists use these tools to provide you with the most comprehensive care and guidance.

Providence offers a complete range of breast health screening services. Check with your doctor to understand which screening services are available near you.

  • Breast Biopsy

    Ultrasound-guided and stereotactic breast biopsies allow doctors to evaluate potential breast cancers and provide precise diagnoses and treatment. The tissue is extracted and examined by specialists to determine the presence or cause of a disease.

  • Breast MRI
    A breast MRI offers a safe and accurate approach to detecting breast cancers and breast abnormalities.
  • Breast Ultrasound
    A breast ultrasound is the first step to diagnose and treat breast cancer or breast lesions.
  • Ductography

    If you have abnormal nipple discharge, your doctor will likely recommend a ductogram. Unlike alternate imaging procedures, a ductogram can help find the cause of the discharge with a higher level of precision.

  • Mammography

    Mammograms are one of the most important tools doctors have in breast cancer prevention and early detection. Our services also include 3D mammography, which is similar to getting a standard 2D mammogram, except that the X-ray takes more images and combines them to create a clearer, three-dimensional view of the breast.

Your personalized treatment plan will depend on factors that are unique to you, from your specific diagnosis to your personal health and preferences. From the latest targeted therapies to the most innovative approaches emerging through clinical trials, Providence leverages the full power of today's most advanced, evidence-based therapies to treat breast cancer. Your personalized treatment plan may include:

  • Brachytherapy
    Our doctors are able to use brachytherapy, an advanced radiotherapeutic cancer treatment, to manage your cancer with care and precision.
  • Breast Reconstruction
    Reconstruction of the breast is a valuable option for women who have had a mastectomy.
  • Chemotherapy
    Our team of oncologists work with you to help ease and manage side effects of chemotherapy.
  • Endocrine Therapy
    Hormone therapy can help reduce the size of breast tumors, decrease the chance of cancer recurrence and aid in your cancer management.
  • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
    Radiotherapeutic cancer treatment helps our oncologists provide comfortable medical care customized to fit your needs.
  • Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
    Intraoperative radiation therapy is offered to manage different cancers.
  • Lumpectomy (Breast Conservation Surgery)
    A lumpectomy, or breast conservation surgery, is the surgical removal of a small section of breast tissue.
  • Mastectomy
    A mastectomy is the surgical removal of breast tissue used for treating malignant tumors and breast cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

It's important to pay attention to any changes in your breasts. Understanding what is normal for your breasts, and what isn't, can be lifesaving.

Doctor with patient smiling

While a lump is the most common symptom of breast cancer, it's by no means the only one. Any of the following changes could be a warning sign of breast cancer:

  • Irritation or scaliness of the breast skin or nipple
  • Lump in the breast or armpit area
  • Nipple discharge - bloody or unilateral - other than breast milk
  • Nipple that flattens out, turns inward, pulls to one side or changes directions Pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple
  • Swelling in all or part of the breast
  • Thickening or redness of the breast

It's important to remember that as cancer progresses, more noticeable changes may appear and vary widely. If you have any concerns, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.

If you notice a potential symptom, or if you're concerned about any changes in the way one of your breasts looks or feels, please call your primary care provider or a breast care specialist.

These symptoms don't always indicate cancer, they may be signs of a cyst or an infection, but it's best to connect with your primary care doctor right away.

Mammography plays an important role in early detection of breast cancer, even before your health care provider can see or feel changes in the breast. Sometimes the earliest sign is a tiny lump or mass that's detectable only on a mammogram.

Our goal is to provide safe and accurate mammograms to help detect breast cancer in its earliest, most curable stage.

Breast Cancer Research

Clinical trials help determine the future of medicine, and Providence is dedicated to making that future a reality.

Find a Clinical Trial

Importance of Getting Regular Mammograms

Providence encourages every woman to talk to her doctor, beginning at age 40, about when to start breast cancer screening through regular mammograms.

Awards & Accreditations

Many of our breast health centers have received prestigious accreditations such as the American College of Surgeons’ Accreditation, which recognizes programs that provide a full continuum of services in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This accreditation, coupled with distinctions granted by the American College of Radiology for breast imaging excellence, further distinguish our breast health centers.

Find Care That's Close to You

Doctors Specializing in Breast Care

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

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