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The Saint Alphonsus Comprehensive Breast Care Program is specifically designed to meet the needs of people concerned about breast health, breast problems, or breast cancer. We offer a full range of clinical services from prevention and screening through cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our program provides innovative, integrated, high quality, cost-effective care in accordance with Saint Alphonsus's advanced healing philosophy. Our diverse team of professionals, who specialize in all aspects of breast care, collaborate to educate and empower patients, so you can actively participate in healing.

The focus of the Saint Alphonsus Comprehensive Breast Care Program is primarily on education and treatment for women who are at high risk for the development of breast cancer, based on personal and family history. Women at an increased risk would stand to benefit most from timely interventions aimed at early diagnosis and possible prevention of breast cancer. This includes genetic counseling and testing when appropriate.

We realize that breast cancer poses a very real and scary threat to all women. Screening guidelines are frequently changing, genetic testing is becoming more available and prevention strategies are also becoming more defined. The purpose of our Prevention, Early Detection, and Genetics Program is to be a resource and help women find the answers to their breast cancer questions. Women can meet with our Genetics Counselor, and go through a detailed breast cancer risk assessment. Screening guidelines, in depth prevention counseling, genetic testing considerations, chemoprevention strategies as well as prophylactic surgery are among topics that are discussed based on your personal risk factors. From this risk assessment, a personalized prevention and early detection strategy is created for you.

The diagnosis of cancer can have a profound effect on patients and their families, affecting physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual foundations. Mindful of this reality, the Saint Alphonsus Breast Care program has developed an integrative approach to healing. Working in tandem with the Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center, our comprehensive methods integrate state-of-the-art treatment techniques with nutritional and complementary therapies and other support services to help heal body, mind and spirit.

Enrollment in the Comprehensive Breast Care Program will involve:

1. An initial comprehensive evaluation with our Breast Care Specialist that includes a history and physical examination, including breast imaging when appropriate
2. A genetic risk assessment, genetic counseling and testing (when appropriate)
3. Completion of a detailed questionnaire regarding health and family history
4. Discussion of relevant risk reduction strategies
5. Follow-up visits for patients at an increased risk
6. Opportunity to participate in research projects related to various aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer, including the STAR Breast Cancer Prevention Trial.
7. Access to the Comprehensive Breast Care Program for all necessary treatment

Topics covered during a clinic visit include:

• Screening mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI and other screening techniques
• Breast cancer biology
• Chemoprevention (Tamoxifen) and consideration of the STAR Breast Cancer Prevention Trial
• Prophylactic surgery (preventive mastectomy)
• Family history of breast cancer
• Managing menopause in a woman who is at an increased risk
• Clinical trials
• Nutrition
• Psychosocial issues

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