Breast Cancer
Supporting Women in Our Communities
Importance of Early Detection
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. Currently, the average risk of a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13 percent, meaning there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer.
Breast cancer occurs mainly in women. But men can get it too, with over 2,500 cases diagnosed in 2020.
The good news is that the U.S. has more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors.
Catholic Health Services offers the latest technology for the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, including breast cancer procedures that are minimally-invasive. We also provide genetic counseling for patients who have an elevated risk for breast cancer.
Call (844) 86-CANCER (844-862-2623) for more information.
Find a Breast Cancer Specialist Near Me
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
Signs and symptoms include:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle.
- A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast.
- A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple.
- A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed).
- An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.
Why choose CHS?
Our breast cancer experts put patients first and work closely to create customized treatment plans. CHS Cancer Institutes throughout Long Island provide the comfort of breast cancer care close to home. All are accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.
Advanced Imaging Services:
- Mammography
- 3D Mammography
- Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)
- Bone Densitometry
- Ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast Biopsy
Clinical Staff:
- Radiation and Medical Oncologists
- Breast Cancer Surgeons
- Radiological Technologists
- Infusion/Chemotherapy Nurses
- Breast Health Nurse Navigators
- Genetic Counselors
- Pathologists
Surgical Options
Breast cancer surgery depends on many factors. CHS's breast cancer surgeons work closely with patients to determine the most appropriate surgery based on the stage of the cancer, the type of the cancer and the patient’s desired course of treatment.
Options include:
- Lumpectomy. The removal of only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy. The removal of all of the breast tissue.
- Lymph node removal (or axillary lymph node dissection) can take place during lumpectomy and mastectomy.
- Breast reconstruction. Rebuilding the breast after mastectomy and sometimes lumpectomy. Reconstruction may take place at the same time as cancer-removing surgery or months to years later.
- Prophylactic mastectomy. Preventive removal of the breast to lower the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk people.