Approximately 180,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States over the next year. It is important to note that most women with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors – less than 10 percent of all cases of breast cancer are hereditary.

Although breast cancer is usually associated with women, one percent of breast cancers occur in men. Men should be aware of the relevant risk factors, including family history, and be encouraged to report any changes in their breasts to a physician.

Screening Guidelines

The following guidelines are recommended by the American Cancer Society in order to detect breast cancer at an early stage.

Between ages 20 and 39

• Breast self-exam monthly.
• Clinical breast exam by health professional annually Clinical breast exam (an examination of your breasts by your doctor) every one to three years.

Age 40 and older

• Breast self-exam monthly.
• Yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams, continuing for as long as you are in good health. Mammograms can be scheduled at our conveniently located Women's Health Centers.

Consider additional screening if you are at risk – Women at increased risk of breast cancer (e.g., family history, genetic predisposition, past breast cancer) should talk to their doctor about the benefits and limitations of starting mammograms earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound or MRI) or having more frequent exams. Mount Carmel also has a Cancer Risk Program that follows individuals considered at high risk for developing breast cancer.

Diagnosis

There are several types of procedures that are effective in determining whether a breast lump or abnormality is cancer. The method recommended by your doctor will depend on the size, location and number of affected areas, availability of equipment and your personal preference.

• Ultrasound – Ultrasound is a quick and painless procedure that may be used to determine whether a lump is a harmless cyst or a solid mass. Breast ultrasound is available in some physician offices or patients may go to one of the five Mount Carmel Women's Health Centers.
• Breast MRI – If a mammogram does not provide a good visualization of the breast (due to dense tissue or implants) a breast MRI can be used to provide a clearer picture. Breast MRI takes about 10 minutes and is performed at conveniently located imaging centers.
• Fine-Needle Aspiration – A very thin needle is inserted into the tissue around the areola (darkened area around the nipple) to withdraw cells and fluid from a lump or abnormal area. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. Needle aspirations are typically performed in a breast surgeon's office (general surgeon specializing in breast).
• Ultrasound-Guided Core Biopsy – In this procedure, ultrasound is used to guide a biopsy needle into an area that appears abnormal on a mammogram or breast MRI but cannot be palpated. A cylinder of tissue (also called a core) is removed and sent to a lab for analysis. This procedure may be performed in a breast surgeon's office (general surgeon specializing in breast) or patients can be referred to a Women's Health Center.
• Stereotactic Biopsy – Stereotactic biopsy uses computerized pictures to guide a biopsy needle into the correct location. Samples are removed and sent to the lab for analysis. Stereotactic biopsy is performed at the Women's Health Centers at Mount Carmel East, Mount Carmel West and Mount Carmel St Ann's.

Stand Up to Cancer