Patient Relations
Breast cancer detected early, when it's small and hasn't spread, is highly treatable. Regular screening is the best way to find breast cancer early, often before any symptoms appear. Our comprehensive breast health program emphasizes prevention and early detection through screening, risk assessment, and education.
JHAH strongly advocates for breast self-awareness and regular mammograms as essential steps in breast cancer prevention.
JHAH recommends that average-risk women aged 40-74 receive a mammogram annually. This screening is a crucial tool for detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Who Is High-Risk:
Enhanced Screening Protocol:
If an abnormality is found, our diagnostic imaging and biopsy services provide an accurate diagnosis, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care from the start.
Learn more about our Diagnosis & Testing services
Breast density refers to the amount of glandular and fibrous tissue compared to fatty tissue in your breasts. About 40% of women have dense breasts, which contain more glandular and fibrous tissue than fatty tissue. This is completely normal, but it's important to understand how density affects your screening and risk.
Why Breast Density Matters
Dense breast tissue appears white on mammograms, just like potential cancers do, making it harder to detect abnormalities. Additionally, having dense breasts is an independent risk factor for developing breast cancer. Radiologists classify breast density into four categories: almost entirely fatty, scattered fibroglandular densities, heterogeneously dense, and extremely dense.
Your Screening Plan for Dense Breasts
If you have dense breasts, we'll notify you after your mammogram. This doesn't mean you have cancer or need to worry, but it does mean we should discuss your screening strategy. You should continue annual mammography, and depending on your other risk factors, we may recommend supplemental screening with ultrasound or MRI to ensure we're getting the clearest possible view of your breast health.
Genetic counseling helps identify whether you carry inherited gene mutations that increase breast cancer risk. You should consider genetic counseling if you were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, triple-negative breast cancer before age 60, or cancer in both breasts. It's also recommended for men with breast cancer, women with both breast and ovarian cancer, or anyone with a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer. If your family has a known gene mutation, genetic counseling becomes especially important.
Genetic testing begins with a counseling session where we review your personal and family history. Testing requires only a simple blood or saliva sample to analyze BRCA1/2 and other cancer-related genes. Once results are available, our genetic counselors explain what they mean for you and your family, help you develop a management plan, and provide guidance on whether family members should consider testing.
If testing reveals a mutation, we create a personalized risk management plan. This may include enhanced screening with mammography and MRI starting as early as age 25-30, risk-reduction medications like tamoxifen or raloxifene, or discussion of preventive surgery options. We also monitor for other cancers associated with your specific mutation, ensuring comprehensive protection for your health.
Prevention and screening are the first steps in breast health. Based on your screening results and risk factors, our comprehensive breast cancer services ensure you receive the right care at the right time.
Our Diagnosis & Testing team uses advanced imaging and molecular analysis when abnormalities require closer examination. For those at elevated risk, our Specialized Programs provide targeted expertise, from genetic counseling to enhanced surveillance protocols.
If treatment becomes necessary, our multidisciplinary team creates Personalized Treatment Plans using the latest advances in surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy. Throughout every phase, our Support & Survivorship Services help you navigate the practical and emotional aspects of your journey.
