Breast Cancer Program

At the Clinical Breast Cancer Program, we routinely provide more intensive screenings to women at higher risk for breast cancer. These may include mammograms, ultrasound, and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. Equally important preventive measures include breast self examination, as well as lifestyle changes such as a low fat diet and regular exercise which can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

The goal of screening is to detect cancers at an early stage, before they are palpable and before they have spread. Mammography is the gold standard of breast screening. In use for over thirty years, mammography involves a series of x-rays of the breast. Mammography has been proven in randomized controlled trials to produce statistically significant reductions in death, and women over age 40 should have a screening mammogram every year.

Patients may also have concerns about how surgery might affect their appearance. Surgeons at the Clinical Breast Cancer Program are fully versed in Oncoplastic Surgical techniques. These techniques are designed to give the patients an excellent cosmetic results while maintaining sound oncologic principles following major resection from the breast cancers.

Our specialists include breast surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, dedicated breast imagers, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, gynecologists, geneticists, psychiatrists, physical therapists and nutritionists, as well as physician assistants and specialized nurses. Their dedication, combined with academic and research capabilities and the full spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic technology, result in the superior care that patients have come to expect from the program.

It is important to remember that healthy breasts are lumpy by nature, particularly before the menstrual period. Any descrete pronounced lump or change in the breast should prompt you to consult your doctor, particularly if it persists after one or two menstrual cycles. When abnormal changes are detected doctors employ several diagnostic tools to determine whether treatment is required.