Focus on Conditions: Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancer) tumor that starts from cells of the breast. It is found mostly in women, but men can get breast cancer, too. How is Beast Cancer Found? The term screening refers to tests and exams used to find a disease like cancer in people who do not have any symptoms. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances that treatment will work. The goal is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms. The size of a breast cancer and how far it has spread are the most important factors in predicting the outlook for the patient.

Most doctors feel that early detection tests for breast cancer save many thousands of lives each year. Following the guidelines given here improves the chances that breast cancer can be found at an early stage and treated with success.

Risk Assessment

The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for finding breast cancer early in women without symptoms:

Mammogram: Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. While mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a very good way to find breast cancer.

Clinical breast exam: Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular exam by a health expert, at least every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health expert every year. It might be a good idea to have the CBE shortly before the mammogram. You can use the exam to learn what your own breasts feel like.

Breast self-exam (BSE): BSE is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any changes in how their breasts look or feel to their health professional right away. Women at high risk: Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the best approach for them. This might mean starting mammograms when they are younger, having extra screening tests, or having more frequent exams.

http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/

CHSLI Programmatic offerings:

The Mammography and Breast Diagnostic Center and the Breast Health Center at Good Samaritan are comprehensive, patient-focused programs offering early detection and diagnosis, positive reinforcement through counseling and support, and effective treatment using the latest, state-of-the art equipment. Both Centers’ staff are committed to a very personal and concerned approach for those who turn to Good Samaritan.

Here, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer can overcome their fears and work through any concerns, assisted by a talented, experienced staff who will support in positive, reassuring ways. Good Samaritan offers a wide array of counseling and support services, both for patients and their families. Support groups meet regularly and include groups for the cancer patient and family and friends.

There are also support groups for women diagnosed with cancer, as well as those who may have undergone treatments and surgeries.

Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center

The Mammography and Breast Diagnostic Center is a comprehensive, patient-focused program offering early detection and diagnosis, and effective treatment using the latest, state-of-the art equipment.

Mammography and Breast Diagnostic Center
1000 Montauk Highway, West Islip, N.Y. 11795 3rd Floor
(631) 376-3625
1111 Montauk Highway, West Islip, N.Y. 11795
(631) 376-6145

Good Samaritan offers a wide array of counseling and support services, both for patients and their families, through its Breast Health Center.

Breast Health Center
1000 Montauk Highway, West Islip, N.Y. 11795
(631) 376-3736

CHSLI Physician Contacts:

St. Francis Hospital Women’s Center:
Angela Capo-Granata, MD and Patricia Barry MD, 516-629-2400

St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center :
June Lee, MD, Fellowship Trained Breast Surgeon/Oncoplasty, 631-862-3171
Anne Green, MD and Moses Williams, MD Breast Imaging, 631-862-3222

St. Charles Hospital:
Evan Geller, MD, Chief of General Surgery, 631-474-0707
Mark Novick, Breast Radiologist, 631-474-6163

Mercy Medical Center:
Gregory S. Zito, MD, Director of Surgery, 516-678-1559
Gary Herzog, Medical Director of Imaging, 516-705-1300

Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center:
Joshua Kalowitz, MD Breast Imaging, 631-376-3624
John Francfort, MD Chief Surgery and Breast Surgeon, 631-321-3869