Breast Screening & Diagnosis
Comprehensive, compassionate care to help you find breast cancer early
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Proactive and Personalized Support for Breast Cancer Detection
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer to affect American women. But screening can often help you find the disease early and take action quickly.
The Breast Health Center at Lahey Clinic offers a complete array of breast cancer screening and diagnostic services.
Breast Imaging Center of Excellence
Lahey’s breast imaging services have been recognized by the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. The Center has ACR accreditation in:
- Breast ultrasound.
- Mammography.
- Stereotactic core biopsy.
- Ultrasound-guided biopsy.
To ensure you receive safe, high-quality breast imaging services, we meet all guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration and the Mammography Quality Standards Act. We also hold a valid license and certification inspection from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Screening Versus Diagnostic Tests
Breast screening tests may find breast cancer before you have symptoms. With early detection, you typically have the most treatment options. You also usually have the best chance for a successful outcome.
If your screening test is abnormal, you undergo a diagnostic test. Your doctor may also recommend diagnostic testing if you have symptoms that require investigation.
Your primary care provider can offer routine breast care as well as advice on breast cancer prevention and screening. The specialists at our Breast Health Center are here to assess your risk of breast cancer and provide expert clinical breast exams (CBEs). If you wish, they can also teach you to perform your own breast self-exams and better understand your breast tissue.
We use the latest technology to interpret breast medical imaging. Lahey radiologists work closely with your team to help you get accurate, efficient results.
More About Breast Screening & Diagnosis
Screening is often vital in detecting breast cancer. But so is knowing signs and symptoms of the disease. If you experience any of the following, tell your health care provider:
- Abnormal nipple discharge (This usually isn’t a sign of cancer. However, it may be concerning, particularly if your discharge is bloody.)
- A change in how the breast or nipple feels (This may include a lump or thickening in or near your breast or your armpit area.)
- A change in how your breast or nipple looks
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- A nipple that points inward, toward the breast or lies flat on the breast
- Scaly, red or swollen skin on the breast, areola or nipple
Finding breast cancer in its earliest stages offers you the best long-term prognosis. A variety of screening methods make this possible. We provide you with the screening that meets your needs in a friendly, caring environment.
American Cancer Society Screening Recommendations
For women at average breast cancer risk, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends the following:
- Between ages 40 and 44 you have the option to begin screening with a yearly mammogram.
- Between ages 45 and 54 you should get a mammogram every year.
- At age 55 and beyond, you may begin having a mammogram every other year or continue with yearly mammograms. You should continue these tests as long as you’re in good health and are expected to live at least 10 years.
The ACS does not recommend clinical breast exams (CBEs) at any age if you have an average risk of breast cancer and get recommended mammograms. However, if you have a higher-than-average risk, CBEs may still have a role in screening.
Breast self-exams may help you monitor how your breasts look and feel. But there is little evidence that self-exams will help you find cancer if you undergo recommended breast imaging. Speaking with your health care provider is the best way to learn which screening tests are right for you and when.
Lahey’s Breast Imaging Center offers the latest technology and the most advanced care. But we understand that compassion is equally important. We don’t treat you as just another patient. We know every woman is unique, so we plan your breast care based on your specific needs.
In addition to standard mammography, we also offer:
- 2D and 3D mammography with computer-assisted detection (CAD).
- Breast ultrasound.
- Breast MRI.
- Combined positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scanning.
Cancer Risk Assessment
At the time of your screening mammogram appointment, we offer a cancer risk assessment. The assessment helps you learn more about your lifetime risk for developing breast cancer. You and your provider can use the results to decide which screening tests are right for you. Genetic counseling specific for breast and ovarian cancer is also available.
Making a Diagnosis
If we suspect you have breast cancer, we may use one of several types of breast biopsies to confirm a diagnosis and learn more about your disease. These include:
- MRI-guided core needle biopsies
- Stereotactic core needle biopsies
- Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies
Identifying the type and extent of your cancer is a crucial step in determining the most effective treatment.
Our breast health team works closely with our radiologists to interpret your breast imaging studies. They use the latest and most advanced technology for cancer detection.
In many cases, no further testing is needed after your initial imaging study. But if your results are suspicious, doctors may recommend additional tests or certain treatments. This can be frightening. But keep in mind, it rarely leads to a cancer diagnosis.
Learning You Have Breast Cancer
If a biopsy confirms you have breast cancer, you can receive expert cancer care with us.
First, you can expect to meet with our team of specialists. This will include a board-certified breast surgeon, nurse practitioner and social worker. A radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and plastic and reconstructive surgeon are also on the team. They all have specialized training in breast cancer. In a single meeting, they come together to help you understand your condition and weigh your treatment options.
The team will talk about the impact various treatments may have on your life. We also help you understand what to expect at every step of your cancer journey. We invite you to bring family members along to this, or any, appointment. You’ll have a lot on your mind. So, it’s often helpful to have another set of ears in the room.
