Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since cancer is more easily treatable in its early stages, it is vital to get to know the symptoms of breast cancer and keep up with routine mammography screening, because mammograms can detect breast abnormalities that a self-examination might not, according to Dr. Michele Kopach, director of the Clark Center for Breast Imaging.
In fact, two-thirds of breast cancers at Doylestown Health are detected through screening mammograms, according to Dr. Kopach.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Not everyone diagnosed with breast cancer has signs or symptoms. The following symptoms are usually caused by benign disease, but can be caused by breast cancer so please report any of these immediately to your physician:
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
- Pain in any area of the breast
These symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer, but if you have signs or symptoms, be sure to talk to your health provider right away.
When to Have Your Mammogram
We recognize that many societies offer different guidelines for breast cancer screening.
Discuss screening and what’s recommended for you with your healthcare provider, as guidelines are different for women of higher risk. If you are uncertain of your risk, please talk with your healthcare provider as many factors influence the risk for breast cancer. All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening.
If you are at average risk for breast cancer, at Doylestown Health we recommend:
An annual screening mammogram starting at age 40 and continuing as long as you are in good health. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms.
A yearly clinical breast examination, which is a routine exam by your health care provider who looks for changes or abnormalities of the breasts, nipples, and under both arms to detect lumps or changes in size, shape, texture, or skin.
We strongly suggest regular breast self-examination, a self-check-up you can perform on a regular basis to know how your breasts normally look and feel and to detect any changes.
More About Mammograms
A 3D mammogram creates a series of images that allow the radiologist to visualize the breast in multiple, connected slices. The three-dimensional view results in higher breast cancer detection rates and fewer false positives. Screening mammograms can also find tiny deposits of calcium that may indicate breast cancer.
Doylestown Health uses 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) exclusively for all patients (regardless of insurance coverage) at the hospital and Health & Wellness Center.
New Facilities for an Enhanced Experience
Doylestown Health’s Clark Center for Breast Imaging offers state-of-the-art technology and services to promote early detection of breast disease.
The new center and expanded program are integral components of Doylestown Health’s Breast Cancer program, a nationally accredited Community Cancer program and a nationally accredited Breast Program offering comprehensive breast cancer and well-breast care. Clark Breast Imaging is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.
Named in recognition of the generosity of Angela and Richard Clark and their family, the Clark Center for Breast Imaging has two locations: the enlarged and relocated center at Doylestown Hospital, located on the ground (basement) level along the hospital’s ArtWalk, and the updated location at the Health and Wellness Center on Route 611 in Warrington.
Scheduling
How to Schedule Your Mammogram with Doylestown Health
Doylestown Health offers mammograms at Doylestown Hospital and at The Health and Wellness Center in Warrington. There are two ways to make an appointment:
- Call Central Scheduling at 215.345.2274.
- Request an appointment online.
Free Mammograms for the Underinsured
Doylestown Health is an official partner in the PA Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP), serving as the main provider in the Central and Upper Bucks regions. Pennsylvania residents who meet age, income and insurance requirements will be able to receive free mammograms and follow-up diagnostics for any abnormal screening results.
To confirm eligibility and schedule screenings, community members can contact Amy Stein at 267.885.1580 or astein@dh.org.
Learn more about Breast Cancer Services at Doylestown Health.
About Clark Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
The Clark Outpatient Rehabilitation Center offers physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as hand therapy, lymphedema therapy, and pelvic floor rehabilitation, and programming for neurological impairments with ample space. Its location within steps of Doylestown Hospital—and convenient parking—on the health system’s flagship campus is in careful consideration of facilitating patient access to these popular and critical services.
