Breast Health

Each year in the United States, about 230,000 women find out they have breast cancer. Breast health services provide screening and diagnostic procedures for breast cancer and other breast conditions. Radiologists, radiology technologists, and nurses are the backbone of breast health services. You can find these providers and their services at hospitals and independent breast health clinics and centers.

Reasons for breast health

Your doctor may recommend breast health services for the following reasons: 

• Diagnosis of breast irregularities you or your doctor finds during a breast exam
• Follow-up of a previous abnormal breast screening exam 
• Screening for breast cancer with no symptoms
• Tracking the progress of lumps or irregularities

What breast health offers

Breast health services include screening and diagnostic exams. Sometimes, breast health services also offer treatments. Depending on the center, services may include: 

• Breast cancer prevention including risk assessment and genetic testing
• Breast self examination instruction
• Mammogram
• 3-D mammogram
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Breast biopsy
• Radiation and medical oncology services
• Surgical consultation

What to Expect 

Providers will tailor breast health services to meet each woman’s needs. The number and frequency of services will vary depending on your risk for breast cancer and other breast conditions.

When choosing a breast health service, it’s important to look for accreditation. There are two main accreditations:

• ACR (American College of Radiology) is a professional organization dedicated to radiological care. In addition to accreditation, the ACR recognizes centers that achieve excellence in breast care. Look for the designation BICOE (Breast Imaging Center of Excellence).
• NAPBC (National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers) is a consortium of professional organizations. This includes the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, and the American College of Surgeons. 

Accredited breast health services are dedicated to providing the best care possible for breast diseases. Centers meeting ACR and NAPBC standards ensure quality care.