Cancer
Prevention
Breast Cancer Screening
Prevent cancer before it starts. Don’t put off preventative care, be proactive with your health. Take advantage of the wide array of prevention programs we offer at the Nassif Community Cancer Center. Browse our screening options and schedule your assessment in Cedar Rapids today.
Early Detection is the Best Prevention
Early detection is the best prevention when it comes to breast health. UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health uses the latest technology in digital mammography, Genius™ 3D Mammography™. Recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association find that 3D mammography screens in greater detail and detects breast cancers at a greater rate than standard 2D mammography alone. The study shows that 3D Mammography detects 41 percent more invasive breast cancers. 3D Mammography has also led to a 15 percent decrease in recall rates and gives lower doses of radiation.
To learn more about our Breast Cancer Screening program through UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health, or to request a mammogram, click below.
Hear From Our Experts
In this episode, Therese Michels, manager of St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health, returns to the podcast to discuss breast cancer screening recommendations, self-checks, the effect of COVID-19 shutdowns on breast cancer screening and more.
Leslie's Story: Breast Cancer Diagnosis Led to a Life-Saving Genetic Discovery
After Leslie Coffin’ breast cancer was found on a mammogram, she pursued genetic testing at the Nassif Community Cancer Center. The results showed she has a rare genetic condition that put her at risk for neuroendocrine tumors called paragangliomas. This finding prompted additional screening, which found two paragangliomas – one in her neck and one in her abdomen. While this presented a new challenge for Leslie, it was one she was grateful to have the opportunity to tackle – all thanks to the power of early detection.
Appointments
Request a mammogram appointment online today.
High Risk
We Offer a Genetics & Risk Assessment Clinic for High Risk Breast Cancer Patients
High Risk Breast Cancer Program
Know Yourself. Know Your Health.
Some families may have an increased risk for breast cancer due to personal risk factors, family history, a hereditary cancer syndrome or a gene mutation in their family. These women may have a 20-85 percent chance of developing breast cancer during their lifetime.
Our Genetics and Risk Assessment Clinic is one of many services available through the High-Risk Breast Cancer Program. Healthcare professionals on a multidisciplinary team, including medical oncologists and surgeons from Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, will help you manage your breast cancer risk by providing:
- Education about hereditary cancer syndromes
- Genetic counseling and testing
- Personalized screening plan
- Coordination of specialist appointments, if needed
- Prevention strategies that include nutrition, exercise and psycho-social counseling
Screening and close monitoring are essential to catching breast cancer in its earliest stages.
For more information, contact the Nassif Community Cancer Center at (319) 558-4876.