Breast Cancer

A diagnosis of breast cancer means that a malignant tumor (a mass of cancerous cells) has developed in your breast. We have more options than ever before for treating breast cancer, from removing the tumor to using advanced radiation technology to target the unhealthy cells.

What to Know About Breast Cancer

• We continually learn more about the risk factors for breast cancer. Two genes are strongly linked to developing breast cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2. Your risk also increases with age and exposure to estrogen.

• The most common symptoms of breast cancer include:

  • Breast lumps

  • Change in shape of breast

  • Nipple discharge

  • Skin changes

• The best weapon in the fight against breast cancer is getting yearly screenings, called mammograms, starting with a baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 40 (younger if you have a family history). Read more about 3-D mammography, a new tool for catching cancer even earlier.

Experience the Blessing Difference: Breast Cancer Treatment

Regional health care providers refer women with breast cancer to Blessing because we provide a superior level of care, which includes:

• Dedicated patient navigator: Our breast cancer navigators assist anyone who has a diagnosis of breast cancer. They will work one-on-one with you to guide you through the treatment process and attend appointments with you.

• Latest breast cancer treatments: We use the latest technology to treat breast cancer. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Surgery: We may perform either a lumpectomy (removing the lump) or a mastectomy (removing an entire breast).

  • Radiation therapy: We use small doses of radiation to precisely target the tumor and preserve the surrounding tissue. Read more about radiation oncology.

  • Chemotherapy: This type of medicine destroys cancer cells. We give it via pill or intravenous therapy (IV), which puts the medicine directly into a vein.

• Team approach to treatment: Our team of cancer treatment specialists, surgeons and nurses meets regularly. We discuss how to best treat people who have a diagnosis of breast cancer or are at high risk for developing the condition. Working together this way helps us learn and ensures that we bring the latest thinking to each treatment plan.

• Financial assistance: We offer a financial assistance program for women who qualify. The program covers mammograms, biopsies and other diagnostic procedures. Learn about our options for financial assistance.

The Blessing Breast Center: Expert Diagnosis for Breast Cancer

Our technicians and radiologists use the latest technology to diagnose breast cancer, ensuring that we catch cancer as early as possible. We offer:

• Screening mammography: Yearly mammograms allow us to look for any breast changes. We were the first in the community to offer 3-D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis. This technology gives us a clearer picture of your breast, which means a more accurate (and earlier) diagnosis. 3-D mammography is especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue. Read about our breast tissue density reporting.

• Diagnostic mammography: If the radiologist spots something of concern on your screening mammogram, we will schedule you for a diagnostic mammogram. We read this follow-up mammogram immediately, so you know before leaving if we recommend another test or a biopsy.

• Breast MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging test that provides detailed images inside the breast. We use breast MRI in combination with mammography for women who are at high risk for breast cancer, or if we are trying to determine if you need a biopsy.

• Breast biopsy: We may take a tiny sample of your breast tissue to determine if the abnormal cells are cancerous. We do different kinds of biopsies, depending on what your diagnostic tests showed. The types we use include ultrasound-guided biopsy or stereotactic biopsy (X-ray-guided biopsy). These procedures are minimally invasive, which means less downtime for you.

Learn more about what we do at the Blessing Breast Center.

Contact Us

To schedule a mammogram or other test at the Breast Center, or to refer a patient please call (217) 223-8400, ext. 4300.