Breast Health Services
Breast health is an important part of your sense of well-being and self-esteem. Get the comprehensive care and support you need for every step of your breast cancer journey.
No matter your age, a change in your breasts can cause worry and fear. A new lump, pain, nipple discharge or abnormal mammogram take your mind immediately to breast cancer. But not all breast symptoms signal cancer. And not all cancers have noticeable signs.
Regardless of your questions or concerns, our team of specialists will provide you with the information, support and treatments you need.
Comprehensive Breast Care
From yearly physical exams and screening mammograms to breast cancer surgery, reconstruction and physical therapy, you have everyone you need to monitor and manage your breast health — all close to your home. Starting with the multi-specialty team at our Women’s Center and through the course of your care and recovery at the Surgical Breast Clinic, you’ll receive coordinated care from specialists dedicated to your breast health, including:
Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostics
Although most breast problems are benign, it’s important to consult your provider or health care professional in all cases of breast abnormality. From screening mammography to diagnostic breast imaging, you have access to a full suite of services to find the answers you seek.
Digital mammography, including tomosynthesis or 3D imaging, is the latest breast cancer screening technology, providing faster imaging and increased rates for early detection. With radiologists on-site at all locations, there’s always someone available to read your mammogram on the day of your visit so you get your answers faster.
Routine screening mammograms can be scheduled online and referrals are not necessary for patients over the age of 40. Appointments for diagnostic mammograms must be made by calling 515.875.9740.
For some women, an annual mammogram isn’t enough. You may need supplemental screening to provide radiologists with additional information about your breast tissue. A breast MRI can detect cancers that a mammogram might miss, especially in women who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
An abbreviated breast MRI (AB-MRI) is a less costly but still sensitive breast cancer screening exam offered to women with dense breast tissue who are not at high risk of having a breast cancer diagnosis. By taking images of only the most important imaging sequences, an AB-MRI cuts the length of the procedure down to just 10 to 15 minutes — one-third the time needed for a traditional breast MRI.
Breast lumps, discovered either through your own self exam, in an annual physical or through mammography, often require further investigation. A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive tool to evaluate these concerns. You can expect a clearer picture of your breast tissue in a procedure that takes just 15 to 30 minutes.
In some cases, there’s only one way to know for sure whether a lump is cancerous or benign: by getting a breast biopsy. During this procedure, a radiologist collects a tissue sample from your breast. The biopsy sample is then sent to a pathologist to determine whether you have breast cancer or not. Results are typically returned within a few days.
Up to 15 percent of breast cancers are hereditary, resulting from gene mutations passed down from a parent. Through genetic testing, you can screen for 11 gene mutations that are currently known to be associated with breast cancer, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, to learn if you’re at an increased risk. From there, you can work with your breast care team to develop a proactive plan to monitor your breast health.
Breast Health Resource Center
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