Breast Care

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Providers at Santa Rosa Medical Center are committed to patient education, self-exams and routine screenings for breast cancer. By utilizing imaging technology and organizing a team of compassionate and qualified medical professionals, we are hopeful that we may detect breast cancer in the early stages, when treatment may be the most effective.

Find a Breast Cancer Specialist Near You
Call (850) 626-7762

Digital Mammogram Screening
A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts. The technology is used to screen for breast cancer in hopes of detecting any abnormalities in the earliest possible stages. By finding breast cancer early, chances of mortality may be decreased. With advanced digital technology, radiologists are now able to see abnormalities with great visibility, and results can be read immediately. The potential benefits of this type of digital screening are vast, and they may include:

• Greater visibility and quality of images, reducing the need for repeat exams
• Less radiation exposure
• Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue

At Santa Rosa Medical Center, doctors can help you determine the best time to begin screening for breast cancer. The decision to get screened may be influenced by your risk factors and personal health preferences. Typically, for women with an average risk of breast cancer development, doctors recommend beginning screenings around the age of 40 and to have a mammogram every one to two years. For women with a higher risk, it may be beneficial to begin screening before age 40.

Breast Utrasound
If an abnormality is discovered during your mammogram, a breast ultrasound may be used to further evaluate the breast. This can help your doctor determine if the breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or if it is a solid lump. An ultrasound does not use any form of radiation. The breast ultrasound is able to give your doctor a clearer picture of the breast and surrounding areas.

Stereotactic biopsies
Lumps or abnormalities in the breast tissues are often found during a physical exam, mammography or another sort of imaging study. However, it is not always possible to determine from these imaging tests whether the lumps and abnormalities are benign or cancerous. This is where the stereotactic biopsy comes in.

A stereotactic biopsy is performed when a mammogram shows a breast abnormality, such as:

• An abnormal mass
• Abnormal tissue damage
• A new mass of calcium in a previous surgery location
• Microcalcifications
• A distortion of breast tissue

Specialized Breast Care, Close to Home
A physician's order is required for all exams and should be obtained before scheduling an appointment. Appointments are required for mammograms and can be made by calling (850) 626-5130, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an appointment is made. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider, and the patient is responsible for follow-up.