Breast Care
Breast Care Services, Exams and General Information
Whether you are coming to see us for the first time with a breast problem or visiting for a routine checkup, the staff at the Glenwood Breast Center is ready to answer your questions and address your issues. All of the physicians and mammography staff are certified with The American College of Radiology – ACR and the FDA to assure the highest level of testing accuracy. Once testing is concluded, results are diagnosed and forwarded to the patient’s physician within 24 – 48 hours.
The Breast Center offers the most state-of-the-art technologies in a convenient out patient setting, including:
- Digital and analog mammography
- Ultrasound
- Guided mammotome biopsy
- Guided needle aspiration
- Vicor vacuum biospy
- Guided needle local biopsy
Soft Mammograms
Currently the Glenwood Breast Center is the only facility to offer soft mammograms, the most gentle approach to routine testing available that features the use of soft foam padding. The cushioned mammograms eliminate much of the discomfort and anxiety often associated with testing.
Who Should Have Mammograms?
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram between the age of 35 and 40 and that beginning at the age of 40, women have an annual screening mammogram. In addition to annual screening for women 40 and older, women with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their physician.
Are Mammograms Painful?
Breast compression may cause some discomfort for a brief time during each x-ray, but it should not be painful. Breast compression helps obtain better x-rays by:
- Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined.
- Allowing a lower x-ray dose to be used, since the x-ray beams pass through a thinner amount of tissue
- Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion.
If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram the week after a period is when breasts are less tender.
Risk Factors For Breast Cancer
- Family or personal history of breast cancer
- Early menstrual onset/late onset menopause
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Use of hormone replacement therapy
- Alcohol use (2 or more drinks/day)
Breast Health Patient Navigator
Kristen Johnson, Nurse Navigator Glenwood Breast Health Patient Navigator
Kristen Johnson, a registered nurse experienced in women’s health, is certified by the National Consortium of Breast Centers in both Breast Imaging and Breast Cancer Navigation. She is also a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse Navigators. From the time of an abnormal mammogram, Kristen is available to provide our patients with support, education, and assistance to obtain the highest quality breast care through the Glenwood Breast Health Center. As part of Glenwood’s community outreach, Kristen also provides health education programs for organizations, businesses, churches, and schools in our area.
- Serving as a consistent contact person, advocate, and guide for our patients and their families throughout the cancer treatment journey
- Collaborating with physicians and staff to achieve timely diagnosis and treatment
- Helping our patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans
- Improving access to community resources and support services
Resources
Top Tips for Healthy Breasts
Every woman’s experience with her breasts is similarly unique. While one person may have dramatic changes in the appearance and feel of her breasts over time related to menstrual cycle, pregnancy, birth control pills, age and weight changes, others may never be aware of symptoms. It helps to become comfortable with the appearance and feel of your own breasts so that you can be confident when there is a change you want to discuss with your doctor. If you feel a lump, don’t wait. Make the call.
Steward Health Care