Treatments, resources, risk factors and comprehensive care

ECU Health offers advanced technology for detecting breast cancer

3D Mammography Breast Cancer Screening

3D mammography takes pictures of the breast from many angles, creating images that are much more clear and detailed than those taken with traditional scans. This makes it easier to detect small tumors, even those that cannot be felt. Key advantages of 3D mammography include:

  • Greater detail for improved accuracy
  • 40 percent increase in cancer detection
  • Locates more invasive, life-threatening tumors
  • Better at detecting cancer in dense breast tissue
  • Digital images allow doctors in other locations to consult if needed
  • Fewer call-backs, resulting in less anxiety
  • Patient-friendly design that is more comfortable for all breast sizes
  • Screening costs covered by most insurance plans

ECU Health offers 3D mammography at 11 convenient locations throughout eastern North Carolina. Call to schedule an annual mammogram.

Breast Cancer represents about 30 percent of all new female cancers each year. 

Use this as a guide, remembering that your health needs are as unique as you are. It’s important to talk with your provider about how your family history, personal history and lifestyle could affect when you need certain screenings or tests.

Risk Factors

The main factors that influence your breast cancer risk are being a woman and getting older. Other risk factors include:

  • Changes in breast cancer-related genes (BRCA 1 or BRCA2).
  • Having your first menstrual period before age 12.
  • Never giving birth, or being older when your first child is born.
  • Starting menopause after age 55.
  • Taking hormones to replace missing estrogen and progesterone in menopause for more than five years.
  • Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
  • A personal history of breast cancer, dense breasts or other breast problems.
  • A family history of breast cancer (parent, sibling or child).
  • Getting radiation therapy to the breast or chest.
  • Being overweight, especially after menopause.

Symptoms

Some warning signs of breast cancer may include:

  • New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
  • Thickening or swelling of parts of the breast.
  • Irritation or dimpling of the breast skin.
  • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area of the breast.
  • Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
  • Any change in the size or shape of the breast.
  • Pain in the breast.

If you have signs or symptoms, talk with your doctor right away. Starting at age 40, begin talking with your doctor about the need to receive regular mammograms. Women at higher risk may need to start screenings earlier. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor.

Hear From a Provider

Comprehensive Care

Ask your doctor how ECU Health may may help you and your loved ones prevent, detect or treat breast cancer.  We offer comprehensive care from screening through treatment and on to survivorship.  Our multidisciplinary team, including fellowship trained doctors, genetic counselors and patient navigators, is with you every step of the way.

Prevention & Early Detection

  • 3D mammogram screenings
  • High-risk assessments
  • Tailored screenings for high-risk individuals
  • Genetics testing and counseling

Diagnosis

  • 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
  • Contrast enhanced mammography
  • Advanced imaging, including CT and MRI
  • Imaging guided biopsy (stereotactic, ultrasound, MRI)
  • Wireless localization
  • Comprehensive laboratory services

Personalized Treatment

  • Multidisciplinary team review
  • Molecular pathology
  • Clinical trials
  • Patient navigators
  • Genetic counselors
  • Cancer survivorship care post diagnosis
  • Care, close to home

Survivorship

  • Continued cancer care
  • Support groups
  • Lifestyle medicine
  • Wellness

Second opinions

If you or a loved one have already received a breast cancer diagnosis or treatment plan and would like a second opinion, please contact us to discuss next steps and see how we may help you.

ECU Health Cancer Care is a Nationally Accredited Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

Online Risk Assessments

Knowing your risk will help you have the power of early detection. Take a free risk assessment, and talk to your provider about screenings that are right for you.

Risk Assessment

Breast Cancer Screenings and Events

Upcoming Events
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Need help or have a question?
Call 252-816-2273