Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States.
In fact, one in eight women in the United States develop some form of breast
cancer over their lifetime, and it’s one of the leading causes of
death in women over 40.
It is for these reasons, and so many more, that Northside Hospital has
developed a comprehensive Breast Care Program designed to give women the
education, screening, diagnosis, treatment and support they need.
Today, Northside is a leader in breast care, performing more than 75,000
breast imaging procedures and diagnosing approx. 900 breast cancers per
year, more than any other Atlanta hospital.
One of the reasons for this leadership position is that Northside’s
Breast Care Program offers more than just medical treatment. We’re
committed to caring for women on every level –emotional, spiritual
and physical. We’re also committed to treating every woman with the
respect, dignity and compassion she deserves.
Education
Information is the key to early detection, diagnosis and treatment of any
illness. Our Breast Care Program reaches out to educate businesses, community
groups and local high schools with our Lunch ‘N Learn and Hadassah/Check
It Out Programs which teach women about breast health and how to perform
a breast self-exam. For more information on the Lunch ‘N Learn and
Hadassah/Check It Out Programs, call (404) 851-6161.
Screening
Along with breast self-exams and visiting a doctor, mammograms are a crucial
component of proactive breast care. And at Northside, we work hard to make
getting a mammogram easier and faster.
- Mammography – Northside offers comprehensive screening and diagnostic
mammograms, breast ultrasounds and other breast imaging procedures. In
fact, more than 75,000 breast procedures are performed at a Northside
Hospital facility a year.
Can't Afford a Mammogram? With the support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Northside currently has funding for mammograms and breast diagnostic services for qualified applicants. Please call (404) 851-6070 for more information.
- We have imaging locations in Atlanta, Forsyth and Cherokee. To schedule
a screening, call (404) 851-6577.
- ScreenAtlanta Mobile Mammography – A specially equipped van offers
mammograms screening at various locations throughout the community. Mammograms provided on the mobile unit are of the same high quality as
those provided at our outpatient imaging locations. To schedule, call ScreenAtlanta
at (404) 851-6070.
- The Hereditary Cancer Program – Dedicated to helping you assess,
understand and reduce the risk of developing certain types of genetically
influenced cancer. Designed for individuals who have a family history
of specific cancers, genetic screening is used to detect cancer-causing
gene mutations, while our certified genetic counselor helps explain the
results and treatment options. For more information, call (404) 851-6284.
Diagnosis
Because we understand how scary it is to discover the possibility of breast
cancer, we offer same-day diagnostic mammography as well as a full range
of other diagnostic services. Our mission is to give every woman the support
she needs during this time of uncertainty.
Diagnostic services – Our staff is fully trained in diagnostic mammography
and breast ultrasound. And we offer the latest in diagnostic services including:
- Stereotactic core needle biopsies
- Breast MRI
- Sentinel lymph node biopsies
- Cyst aspiration
- Ultrasound core biopsies
Treatment
Two dedicated, women-only surgery suites–designated for breast and
gynecological surgery– feature state-of-the-art equipment, facilities
and staff. This experience and commitment enable the medical staff to offer
a full range of breast surgical procedures from a lumpectomy to total breast
reconstruction.
If radiation is part of the treatment plan, Northside has three radiation
therapy centers – at the Atlanta campus, in Dunwoody and in Roswell–
to make receiving treatment more convenient.
Women who have undergone surgery or radiation therapy have access to our
Lymphedema Management Program, if necessary, for post-surgical treatment.
For more information about the Lymphedema Management Program, call (404)
851-6743.
Support
Northside Hospital’s Breast Care Program offers more than medical
treatment. We offer the emotional and psychosocial support needed during
this time.
Breast Care Coordinator – One-on-one emotional
support and information from a dedicated registered nurse who accompanies
patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The Coordinator can
also connect patients to support groups and arrange for other assistive
services. For more information, call (404) 851-6161, or email breastcarecoordinator@northside.com.
The Wellness Community, Northside Hospital-Atlanta
– A free program offering support and education for cancer patients,
survivors, their families and friends. Includes support groups, therapy,
educational workshops, stress reduction classes and social events. For
information, call (404) 845-5640 or email wellnesscom@mindspring.com.
Network of Hope – The Network of Hope has been
an invaluable source of encouragement and support for women facing breast
cancer. The group is comprised of volunteers, all breast cancer survivors
themselves, who provide support for newly diagnosed women with situations
similar to theirs in terms of age, ethnicity, stage of cancer, treatment,
etc. For more information, call (404) 851-6161.
A Woman’s Place
at Northside Hospital – A specialty boutique where
women can find the heathcare products and advice they need to look and
feel attractive and self-confident. Boutique items range from wigs and
turbans to the latest in prosthetics. See complete listing of products
or call (404) 845-5125 for details.
