Breast cancer screening plays a critical role in detecting cancer early, when it is most treatable and outcomes are often better. At Saint Joseph Health System, screening recommendations are based on national evidence‑based guidelines and tailored to each patient’s individual risk, ensuring personalized care that is rooted in the latest research and delivered by a multidisciplinary team of breast health specialists.
Our breast center offers comprehensive breast imaging and diagnostic services to help detect breast cancer at its earliest stages. Depending on your risk factors and screening needs, your physician may recommend more of the following tests or procedures:
- 3-D mammography: Creates detailed, three-dimensional images of breast tissue to help detect breast cancer.
- Bone density: Measures bone strength to help monitor bone health, which can be especially important for patients receiving certain breast cancer treatments.
- Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM): Combines mammography with contrast dye to help detect breast cancers that may be harder to identify on traditional mammograms, especially in women with dense breast tissue.
- Breast MRI: Creates detailed images of breast tissue to help screen, detect or further evaluate breast cancer.
- Digital mammography: Uses low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast and identify changes that may be signs of breast cancer.
- Needle localization: Helps pinpoint an abnormal area of breast tissue so it can be accurately removed and tested for cancer.
- Stereotactic breast biopsy: Uses mammogram images to guide the collection of breast tissue that can be tested for cancer.
- Ultrasonography: Uses sound waves to evaluate breast tissue and help determine whether a lump or abnormal area may require further testing for cancer.
The advanced screening and diagnostic technologies at the Saint Joseph breast center help identify breast cancer and other breast abnormalities as early as possible. Conditions we screen for and evaluate include:
- Abnormal mammogram findings
- Breast masses or lumps
- Breast cysts
- Breast cancer recurrence or a new breast cancer
- Dense breast tissue
- Ductal carcinoma in situ: A noninvasive breast cancer confined to the milk ducts
- Invasive ductal carcinoma: An invasive breast cancer that begins in a milk duct and spreads into surrounding breast tissue
- Invasive lobular carcinoma: An invasive cancer that begins in the breast’s milk-producing glands and grows into surrounding tissue.
- Suspicious breast abnormalities: Lumps and other abnormal features may be evaluated
