Breast Health and Breast Care Services in Athens, GA
Advanced screening, diagnosis, and personalized treatment for every stage of breast health.
Your breast health is an important part of your overall well-being, and having a trusted care team makes all the difference. At St. Mary’s Health Care System, we provide compassionate, personalized breast care using advanced technology and a coordinated approach, so you feel supported every step of the way.
Comprehensive breast health services in Athens, GA. Mammography, breast MRI, biopsy, and breast cancer care close to home.
What does Breast Health encompass?
Breast health focuses on the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the breast. This includes routine screenings like mammograms, as well as more advanced diagnostic tools and treatments when concerns arise.
Taking care of your breast health means staying proactive. Regular screenings can help detect changes early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Health
Most women should start being screened annually at around age 40, but your personal risk factors may change that timeline. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other related health concerns that increase your risk of breast cancer, your provider may recommend starting screenings earlier.
At. St. Mary's Health Care system, we take time to understand your history and guide you toward the screening schedule that feels right for you.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
MRIs are a type of imaging that uses magnets and radio waves to create a detailed picture of the inside of your body. In breast care, it helps us see areas that may not be as visible on a mammogram, and allows your care team to take a closer look at areas of concern to better assess your current health.
Mammograms can feel uncomfortable for a few moments because the breast is gently compressed to get clear images. Most women describe the discomfort as brief and manageable. Our experienced team will work to make the experience as comfortable as possible and will guide you through each step of the process.
An abnormal result does not always mean that you will have a cancer diagnosis. It simply means we need to take a closer look at an abnormality in the test that we are seeing. We may recommend additional imaging or a biopsy to better understand your test results.
Your care team will work to explain everything we are seeing and answer any questions that you may have throughout the process.
Remember, your dedicated care team is always here to support you every step of the way.
Our team prioritizes timely results and clear communication, so you are not left wondering. In many cases, results are available within a few days.
We know waiting can be stressful, so we do our best to communicate with you as quickly as we possibly can to put your mind at ease.
A breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure where we take a small sample of tissue from the breast for testing. Most biopsies use imaging guidance and local anesthesia, which means you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
In many cases, a referral is required, especially for diagnostic imaging. However, screening mammograms may be scheduled more directly. If you are unsure, our team can help you understand your next step.
Dense breast tissue is common and simply means there is more glandular tissue than fatty tissue. It can make it harder to detect abnormalities on a mammogram, which is why additional imaging, like ultrasound or MRI, may be recommended for women who have dense breasts.
If surgery is needed, your care team at St. Mary's Breast Health Center will walk you through every option, including tissue-preserving procedures and reconstruction.
St. Mary's Breast Health Center's Kathleen Jeffery, MD, and team will keep the focus on your health and comfort every step of the way.
Yes, follow-up care is an important part of your long-term health. This may include imaging, check-ups, and coordination with other specialists. Your team will stay connected with you to support your recovery and ongoing wellness throughout this process.
While not all risk factors are preventable, you can take steps such as staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and keeping up with regular screenings. Just as important, staying aware of changes in your body and speaking up when something feels different can make a meaningful impact.
Schedule Your Mammogram
You can now schedule a mammogram appointment online through the MyChart patient portal.
Don't have MyChart? Sign up for MyChart >
St. Mary’s Breast Health Center First In Quality
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Related Locations
St. Mary's Breast Health Center
1500 Oglethorpe Ave Ste 2100
Athens, GA 30606
