Breast Cancer
From routine mammography to acute breast cancer care, the Breast Center at Saint Vincent Hospital provides you with a patient-centered program that can help you at every step. Our goal is to offer the greater Worcester community a comprehensive breast health program that provides high-quality care to everyone we see. Here you’ll find:
- A full continuum of diagnostic testing, surgical services and medical and radiation oncology services
- Same- or next-day appointments
- State-of-the-art diagnostic technology, including 3-D mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI and breast biopsy
- An experienced team that includes a breast surgeon, nurses, medical and radiation oncologists, a nurse practitioner, a navigator, a nutritionist, social worker, and physical therapist
- Access to clinical trials, complementary therapies, educational and community resources and support groups
Acute Issues
If you find a new lump or are experiencing breast pain, worrisome nipple discharge or a change in the shape of your breast, our Breast Center is able to offer you same- or next-day evaluation. We’re able to pinpoint the problem right away with diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds available. Learn more about our imaging services.
Breast Cancer Care
With Saint Vincent breast cancer care, you’ll work with our dedicated team that includes a breast surgeon, nurses, medical and radiation oncologists, a nurse practitioner, a navigator, a nutritionist, a social worker, and a physical therapist. Our team will work with you to develop a cancer treatment plan that is right for your diagnosis and your personal needs
Working with our medical oncologists, you will have access to clinical trial enrollment, when appropriate, onsite complementary therapies, educational resources, community resources, and support groups through the American Cancer Society. Even after completion of care, we’ll work with you to help you overcome the challenges that accompany cancer survivorship.
High-Risk Care
Detecting breast cancer early is an important part of successful treatment. We work to identify women who may be at high risk through genetic risk assessment. If appropriate risk is identified, based on family history or biopsy, we offer genetic testing. We then offer routine follow-ups for patients with an indicated high risk, so we can help as soon as possible if breast cancer does occur.
What to Expect
When you visit the Breast Center, a breast clinic staff member will greet you. You’ll then complete paperwork on your medical health and be seen either by the breast surgeon, nurse practitioner or both. After your physical and breast exam, we’ll recommend the next steps you should take.
These next steps may include breast imaging, which can be completed at the Women’s Wellness Center next door. We offer advanced diagnostic imaging and screening services, including 3-D mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI and breast biopsy.
Part of your assessment at the Breast Center will be to review how your family health may affect your personal risk. If you have a strong personal or family history, we may refer you for additional genetic counseling and testing.
Breast Cancer Evaluation
If you have a personal or family history of any of the following, please consider coming in for a breast cancer evaluation:
- Personal history of abnormal cells: Atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia
- Personal history of lobular carcinoma in situ
- Breast cancer at age 50 or younger
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Male breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer
- Two or more relatives with breast cancer, one under age 50
- Three or more relatives with breast cancer at any age
- A known BRCA genetic mutation in the family
- Two primary breast cancers
