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The medical experts at Providence Saint Joseph offer an outstanding record of achievement treating breast cancer. Our breast preservation rate of 85% is substantially higher than the national average of 59%, and our cancer survival rates are 10% higher than the national average as well.
The Breast Health Center offers:
Digital Mammography
Early Detection Is Your Best Defense For Finding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer will affect an average of one in eight women during their lifetime. Early detection,including mammography, is your best defense for finding breast cancer in its most curable stages. Providence Saint Joseph Breast Health Center offers full-field digital mammography.
In addition, computer-aided detection increases radiologists’ detection of breast cancer up to 20% when used in conjunction with mammography. Images are higher resolution so physicians can view the breast in more detail. The physicians can zoom in for close-ups and change contrast and brightness to reveal more subtle forms of cancer.
In fact, our digital mammography provides faster exam time, accommodates all breast sizes and uses the natural mobility of the breast for greater comfort during testing.
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Groundbreaking Research
Leading-Edge Cancer Research
Our distinguished team of oncologists, nurses and staff are actively involved in leading-edge cancer research. We participate in nationally recognized clinical trials giving our patients access to a number of therapies not generally available.
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Higher Breast Preservation and Survival Rates
Among the Nation's Best for Cancer Survival and Breast Preservation
Today’s cancer treatment helps preserve your breast as well as your self-esteem. If breast cancer is detected early, breast preservation (a lumpectomy combined with post-operative radiation) is frequently an accepted alternative to complete removal of the breast (mastectomy). Our breast preservation therapy rate is 85%compared to a national average of 59%. We are also proud to have some of the best cancer survival statistics in the country. For breast cancer, our survival rates are 10% higher than the national average when comparing our database stage by stage to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).
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Minimally Invasive Breast Diagnostic Procedures
The Latest, Most Innovative Diagnostic Services
Fortunately, most breast lumps are not cancerous. Yet if a lump is found, it must be properly examined and diagnosed. We offer a full range of the latest, most innovative diagnostic services that are renowned for accuracy, while offering far less pain, scarring and anxiety than traditional surgical biopsies. These include minimally invasive biopsies such as those under stereotactic guidance that allows the extraction of tiny abnormalities, which can be the earliest sign of breast cancer. Other advanced techniques include ultrasound-guided core biopsy, fine needle aspiration, ductograms and cyst aspiration. Breast ultrasounds and PET scans allow sophisticated imaging of tissue without being invasive.
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Breast MRI
The Newest Technologies
Providence offers one of the newest technologies in the detection and assessment of breast cancer — Breast MRI. While it is not a replacement for mammography, it may be used to detect small lesions that may be missed by mammography, produce successful images of dense breasts (usually found in younger women) and take images of women who have breast implants.
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Expert Team
Comprehensive Care
Providence Saint Joseph Breast Health Center draws from many disciplines to improve overall breast health and cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
Breast health experts, board-certified in radiology, specialize in mammography and breast health. They are committed to excellence in comprehensive health care for all patients and work in partnerships that honor each patient individually with dignity and compassion.
A nurse navigator provides ongoing support, coordinating care from initial detection through treatment.
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Prevention and Support
Physically And Emotionally
At Providence Saint Joseph Breast Health Center, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy— physically and emotionally — whether you’re at risk for a disease or are recovering from one. If you’ve been newly diagnosed with breast cancer, the Breast Friends program offers one-to-one support from women who are survivors themselves. Providence Saint Joseph also helps patients coping with the appearance side effects of cancer therapy at the Personal Appearance Rehabilitation Center. Services include education, fittings, assistance with prostheses, wigs, turbans, mastectomy bras and corrective skincare and makeup.
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To Find Out More
To make an appointment for a mammogram, call (818) 847-4999.
To receive a free referral to a primary care or cancer physician, or for a second opinion, call 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464).
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