Prevention
Much research is being done to determine external factors that may contribute to breast cancer. In general, you can reduce your risk by:
- Not smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Remaining active and in good health
Baystate Health is encouraging women to get screened for breast cancer. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Learn more and make an appointment.
If you have a family or personal history of cancer, you may be at higher risk. Our Family Cancer Risk Program and High Risk Screening Clinic can help you determine your risk of developing cancer, and work with you to develop a prevention plan.
Baystate Health offers 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) for women who are at increased risk for breast cancer or have dense breast tissue, in addition to the more familiar 2D form of digital mammography. Using 3D mammography can make it easier for doctors to catch breast cancer early and reduce the chances of false positive results.
Diagnosis
Baystate Health offers digital mammography including 3D mammography and breast ultrasound at several locations throughout western Massachusetts.
Through our Diagnostic Program at the Baystate Breast & Wellness Center in Springfield, we offer additional screening and diagnosis services, including:
The Diagnostic Program at the Baystate Breast & Wellness Center ensures that women with breast pain, an abnormal mammogram, or breast lump are evaluated quickly, following the highest quality guidelines.
Fortunately, most breast lumps and abnormal mammograms are benign. However, for those who are found to have a high risk lesion or breast cancer, if your doctor enrolls in our Priority Breast Care Program, our team of breast surgeons, nurse practitioners, and nurse navigators will guide you through testing, evaluation, and follow-up.
Treatment
Once you’ve received an evaluation and diagnosis, your treatment recommendations are reviewed at our weekly Multidisciplinary Breast Pathology Conference.
Expert radiologists provide second opinions on breast imaging, and breast pathologists review details from the biopsy and surgical specimens under the microscope. From there, breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists discuss the best treatment plan for you, including opportunities for participation in clinical trials.
Our nurse navigators follow guidelines established to coordinate your follow-up appointments. Plastic surgeons are available if you are considering these services.
Having an entire team of experts providing input on your care ensures the best possible outcome. We work with you to coordinate your care plan and answer any questions you may have.
We provide the latest in breast cancer treatment options, including:
Support Services
No matter what stage of breast cancer you’re diagnosed with, at Baystate you have a full support team with you.
Our integrative Supportive & Palliative Care team compassionately and seamlessly treats the whole patient, including everything from nutritional needs to pain management to counseling if needed.
Some of the most common side effects patients experience during cancer treatment include:
- Fatigue
- Swallowing issues
- Stress over family or work life
The care team assesses every patient who is receiving cancer treatment through the Baystate Regional Cancer Program to determine if they might benefit from the Supportive & Palliative Care Service. The team includes:
- Radiation oncologist
- Supportive and palliative care physician
- Clinical dietitian
- Social worker
- Other experts, available when needed
Our network of support groups, social workers, behavioral medicine and rehabilitation specialists, clergy, and complementary medicine providers are here to help you meet physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges you may encounter.