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.

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.

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. These recognitions, coupled with distinctions granted by the American College of Radiology for breast imaging excellence, further distinguish our breast health centers.

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

  • Mammography
    Mammograms are one of the most important tools doctors have in breast cancer prevention and early detection.
  • 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.
  • Breast Biopsy
    Ultrasound-guided and stereotactic breast biopsies allow doctors to evaluate potential breast cancers and provide precise diagnoses and treatment.
  • Ductography
    If you have abnormal nipple discharge, your doctor will likely recommend a ductogram.

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:

  • Lumpectomy (Breast Conservation Surgery)
    A lumpectomy 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.
  • Breast Reconstruction
    Reconstruction of the breast is a valuable option for women who have had a mastectomy.
  • Brachytherapy
    Our doctors are able to use brachytherapy, an advanced radiotherapeutic cancer treatment, to manage your cancer with care and precision.
  • 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.

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.

Find a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial

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.

Why a mammogram?

Breast cancer, at the very earliest of stages, may have no outward symptoms. And sometimes the earliest sign is a tiny lump or mass that’s detectable only on a mammogram.

What are some symptoms to pay attention to?

As the disease progresses, more noticeable changes may appear. These noticeable changes vary widely, and while a lump is the most common symptom, it is by no means the only one. Any of the following changes could be a warning sign of breast cancer:

  • A lump in the breast or armpit area
  • Swelling in all or part of the breast
  • Thickening or redness of the breast
  • Pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple
  • Irritation or scaliness of the breast skin or nipple
  • A nipple that flattens out, turns inward, pulls to one side or changes directions
  • Nipple discharge – bloody or unilateral – other than breast milk
What should I do if I have symptoms?

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. While these symptoms don’t always indicate cancer, they may be signs of a cyst or an infection. Please connect with your primary care doctor right away. 

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.