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Your best breast health

From routine mammograms to breast cancer treatment, we’re here to keep you and your breasts healthy.

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. And they change throughout your lifetime, from adolescence to pregnancy to menopause.

That’s why knowing what’s “normal” for your body, how to conduct a breast self-exam and when to see your healthcare provider about changes to your breasts is so important.

Breast health basics

Routine breast care is the best way to keep your breasts (and you) healthy. Here are a few ways to give yourself a healthy foundation:

Eat a balanced diet: Fiber, fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy and lean proteins
Stay active: Moderate-intensity exercise (think brisk walking, swimming or lifting weights) 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week
Maintain a healthy weight: Staying within a healthy weight range can reduce your risk of breast cancer
Limit alcohol use: If you drink, stick to one per day, max (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor)
Quit smoking: Not smoking or quitting can lower your breast cancer risk

Routine breast care

Early detection of a breast or gynecologic issue leads to early intervention — that’s why mammograms and other screenings are so important. From teaching breast self-exams to performing your yearly mammograms, our breast health team is here to help.

  • Breast self-exams and breast checks: A monthly, at-home breast exam can help you stay aware of any changes your body might be going through. It only takes a few minutes and can put your mind at ease. Your doctor can also perform a breast exam at your annual well-woman visit.
  • Mammograms: When you go for your mammogram, your breast will be placed on an X-ray plate and compressed for a few seconds while images are taken. Next, a diagnostic radiologist will review the series of images and send your doctor a report.
  • Well-woman exams: This annual exam is an essential tool to detecting breast or gynecologic conditions early, when they’re easiest to treat. During your annual well-woman exam, your provider will perform a few tests, like a Pap smear, a pelvic exam and a breast exam.

Keeping on top of your health by doing breast self-exams and scheduling regular mammograms after age 40 are good ways to detect signs of breast cancer at the earliest stage, when it’s easiest to treat. If you do need treatment, we’ll find the approach that’s right for you.

Specialized breast clinics

We offer three specialty breast clinics to support your care at every step.

  • Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic: If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, our multidisciplinary breast clinic brings all of your care under one roof in a supportive setting. Our team consists of radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, plastic surgeons, social workers, nurses and nurse navigators, all here to support your unique health needs.
  • High-Risk Breast Clinic: If you have a family history of breast cancer, dense breasts or a concern about your personal risk factors, our team will evaluate your individual risks and work with you to find the right care.
  • Inherited Risk Breast Clinic: If you have a genetic risk factor, like a BRCA gene change, our team will work with you to create a plan based around your unique needs.


Telemedicine visits for breast care

From a surgery consultation to genetic counseling, our breast health team is here for you — even virtually. See us for a consultation at one of our breast clinics or from the comfort of home through a telemedicine video visit.

Download your free guide to breast health at home:

Schedule your mammogram with MyGeisinger

Make an appointment

Common breast conditions

Our breast health team is here to provide the care you need for a variety of common breast conditions, including:

Painful or tender breasts

Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of things, including hormonal fluctuations, breastfeeding or certain medications.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer develops when normal, healthy cells in the breast begin to grow and function differently. These cancerous cells build up and form a mass called a tumor, which exists as a lump inside the body and can spread.

Male breast cancer

This rare cancer forms in the breast tissue of men. Although breast cancer is commonly thought of as a disease that affects women, male breast cancer occurs in approximately 1 in every 1,000 men.
Fibroadenomas

These benign, or noncancerous, breast lumps are common in women between the ages of 15 and 35.

Benign fibrocystic disease

This condition causes non-cancerous cysts to form in your breast tissue, making your breast or breasts feel lumpy.
Mastitis

This condition leads to inflamed breast tissue sometimes caused by an infection or clogged milk duct. It's common in women who are breastfeeding.
Breast lumps

Breast lumps are common and can occur due to hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle or as you age. Most breast lumps are non-cancerous.
Breast cysts

These fluid-filled sacs form in breast tissue and are usually benign (non-cancerous). They’re common in pre-menopausal women between ages 35 and 50 and typically don’t require treatment.
Nipple discharge

This refers to fluid leaking out of the nipple. It commonly occurs during pregnancy, if you’ve recently stopped breastfeeding or from irritation.
Nipple and breast itchiness

Itchy skin on or around your breast is common. It can be caused by allergies, dry skin, changes in breast size (usually during pregnancy) or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis.

Advanced breast cancer care

Whether you are worried about developing breast cancer, are going through treatment or are trying to stay well after treatment, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Breast surgery

Whether your breast surgery is an emergency procedure or planned in advance, you’ll have the support of an entire breast surgery team. 

Breast imaging and diagnostic services

Regular breast imaging and screening can detect breast cancer sooner, before symptoms appear.

Women’s health services

From routine well-woman exams and Pap smears to care throughout pregnancy and beyond, our women’s health specialists are here to support your unique journey.
Carmela and her family

30 years old. No prior family history of breast cancer. A mammogram wouldn’t be on her radar for another 10 years. So, how did Carmela discover she had breast cancer? Read more.

Get a mammogram

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A yearly mammogram is an effective tool for detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Meet our breast care team

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Find a provider who specializes in breast care.

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Our team of breast health specialists is here to provide innovative treatments and care focused on getting you well again. We offer:

  • The knowledge you need – Our breast health team is powered by doctors, nurse practitioners, nurse navigators and other support staff — all here to support your unique health needs. Their expertise has been honed by treating many people, through every stage and age. And their focus is on delivering the care best suited to your needs.
  • National Breast Center accreditation – Our breast programs at Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center are recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program that acknowledges centers that provide the highest quality care for various breast conditions. We've held this distinction for more than 10 years. This means we give you the highest level of care from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
  • Comprehensive breast program – With a focus on early detection, our dedicated team gives you access to the most leading-edge treatments, genetic testing to assess early risks, clinical trials and a large support network. We're with you every step of the way.
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