Breast Health
Early detection and compassionate care.
Schedule your mammogram today.
Proactive breast health management is essential for a woman’s health. St. Luke’s comprehensive breast health services are designed to provide women in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas with advanced screenings, accurate diagnostics, and personalized care. From routine mammograms to managing complex breast conditions, our expert team is dedicated to supporting you through every step of your breast health journey with compassion and expertise. Becoming familiar with your breasts allows you to readily identify any changes that warrant medical attention.
Comprehensive screening services
St. Luke's offers state-of-the-art breast imaging and diagnostic services through our Regional Breast Centers, recognized as Centers of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. Our services include:
- Mammography: A baseline mammogram is recommended starting at age 40, with annual screenings thereafter.
- Clinical breast exams: Performed by your healthcare provider during routine check-ups.
- Breast ultrasound and MRI: Additional imaging techniques used for further evaluation or for women with dense breast tissue or higher risk factors.
- Same-day appointments and biopsies: Available in many cases for prompt diagnosis and peace of mind.
Recognizing potential symptoms of breast cancer
Early-stage breast cancer may not cause pain or discomfort. It's important to be aware of potential symptoms, which may include:
- A new lump or mass in the breast or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Skin changes on the breast, such as redness, dimpling, or puckering
- Nipple changes, such as inversion, discharge (especially from only one nipple), or changes in color or texture
- Unusual pain in only one breast or armpit that is not related to your menstrual cycle
If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately for evaluation.
Understanding breast cancer: types and treatment
Breast cancer is not a single disease; there are various types and subtypes. Our specialists are adept at diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of breast cancers, including:
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Cancer cells are contained within the milk ducts and have not spread.
- Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Abnormal cells develop in the milk-producing glands (lobules).
- Invasive Breast Cancer: Cancer cells have spread from the ducts or lobules to surrounding healthy tissue, and potentially to other parts of the body.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): A rare and aggressive form that presents with inflammation-like symptoms.
St. Luke's provides a multidisciplinary, personalized team approach to breast cancer care. Our treatment options may include:
- Surgery: Including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- Radiation therapy: External beam radiation or partial breast irradiation.
- Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment to destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted biologic therapies: Medications that target specific characteristics of cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: Used for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers.
- Gene expression profile testing: To guide treatment decisions.
- Breast reconstruction: Options available after mastectomy.
Award winning cancer services
Choose St. Luke’s University Health Network for your breast health and experience nationally recognized, award-winning cancer care. We are proud to hold a Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation as an Integrated Network Cancer Program (INCP) from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.
Our dedicated team of surgical oncologists and breast health specialists focus exclusively on breast care, providing expert, personalized treatment. We utilize advanced imaging and diagnostic technology for early and accurate detection, and offer a range of support programs, including the Personalized Breast & Ovarian Health Program and Breast Cancer Support Groups, to guide patients every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions about breast health
The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammography for all women beginning at age 40. Your doctor may recommend a different schedule based on your personal risk factors.
Yes, St. Luke's provides extensive support services, including a multidisciplinary care team, breast health specialists who act as patient advocates, and breast cancer support groups for patients and their families.
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and increases the chance for a cure. Finding breast cancers when they are small and localized allows for less invasive treatments and better long-term survival rates.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) means the cancer cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not spread. Invasive Breast Cancer means the cancer cells have spread beyond the ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue.
Yes, hormonal changes can cause benign lumps or cysts in the breast tissue. While these are not cancerous, it's important to have any new lump or change evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Schedule your consultation today.
Take control of your breast health today. Call 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537), option 2, to schedule your mammogram or consultation with a breast health specialist.