Breast Care

At Adventist Health Sonora, we emphasize prevention and early detection of breast cancer. Your primary care physician can consult with you on ways to lower your risk, from lifestyle to dietary changes, and refer you to a genetic screening to measure your risk based on genetic and hereditary factors. 

Since early detection of cancer enables easier treatment for the best outcomes, minimal side effects, and less chance of recurrence, we encourage annual mammograms utilizing the latest technology for early detection. A couple of our key diagnostic tests include: 

Mammography and 3D tomosynthesis 

Mammograms are imaging exams that provide detailed images of breast tissue and enable detection of tumors that can’t be felt through a physical exam. Our imaging center offers 2D mammograms as well as 3D mammograms (also known as tomosynthesis). 

3D mammograms allow us to examine breast tissue layer by layer with incredible detail for detecting even the smallest tumors and minimizing false positives. This technology is especially valuable for women with dense breast tissue. 

Following your exam, your radiologist will carefully examine the images for abnormalities and share the results with your physician. 

For your convenience, we offer online scheduling with no need for a referral.  

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Minimally invasive biopsies

When a screening or mammogram shows a breast abnormality, a stereotactic breast biopsy or an ultrasound-guided biopsy may be used to diagnose the mass to see if it is cancerous or benign. With these minimally invasive procedures, our technologist can pinpoint the exact coordinates of the abnormality and remove small tissue samples without damaging other breast tissue. After the biopsy, a pathologist studies the tissue samples to diagnose the lesion. If cancer is detected, your physician or nurse navigator will contact you to discuss the results and next steps.

Adventist Health Sonora provides a higher level of patient care with the help of our breast health nurse navigator, who coordinates the clinical, educational, and support needs of our patients and their families. The navigator steps in when a patient has an abnormal mammogram result and is asked to come back for further exams. 

Working collaboratively with physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, imaging technologists, and other staff, the navigator helps provide seamlessly coordinated care for every patient. And if the diagnosis is cancer, the navigator works with our oncology nurse navigators to streamline the referral process and expedite care.

At our Diana J. White Cancer Institute, we offer a range of treatment options for breast cancer. If you are diagnosed with cancer, your oncologist will walk you through your options and develop a personalized treatment plan based on the extent of your cancer and other factors. For patients who require surgery, your surgeon will preserve as much healthy breast tissue as possible. For lumpectomies, we use minimally invasive procedures for less scarring and faster recovery.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, leaving you with many questions as well as feelings of vulnerability and anxiety. But rest assured, the cancer team at Adventist Health Sonora will support you all the way - physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

Our support begins with your dedicated nurse navigator, who will coordinate your care, lend an ear, answer questions, and help you cope with your challenges by referring you to various support resources. It continues with our compassionate oncologists, nurses, and technicians who will always be there to answer questions and make you comfortable throughout your treatment. 

We also offer: 

• Spiritual support from chaplains 
• Emotional support from social workers 
• Support groups with other breast cancer patients 
• Physical therapists and dietitians to help relieve side effects and assist in your recovery 
• Relaxation therapies such as acupuncture and massage