Prevention, Screening and Treatment: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September 29, 2026
Breast cancer awareness is about taking action. Understanding your risk, keeping up with regular screenings and knowing the signs to watch for can make a life-saving difference. With early detection and advanced treatment options, breast cancer is more treatable than ever. At Episcopal Health Services (EHS), patients have access to comprehensive, state-of-the-art breast imaging and care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and ongoing support.
Prevention Starts with Screening
Routine screening is one of the most important steps in protecting your breast health. Annual mammograms, starting at age 40, are a vital tool for early detection. Research shows that regular mammography can reduce the risk of advanced breast cancer by 20–40% by identifying it at its earliest and most treatable stages.
At EHS, patient benefit from:
- State-of-the-art digital mammography
- Advanced 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) for more precise imaging
- On-site breast radiologists with specialized expertise
Screening services are available at both St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s Radiology Department and the Margaret O. Carpenter Women’s Health Center, making access to care convenient and seamless.
Additional Screening for High-Risk Patients
For patients at higher risk of breast cancer – such as those with a strong family history or genetic mutations like BRCA (BReast CAncer gene) – additional screening may be recommended.
EHS offers breast MRI for high-risk patients, along with personalized screening plans tailored to age, risk level and breast density. In younger patients with dense breast tissue, MRI may serve as a primary screening tool, as it can detect abnormalities that might not be visible on a mammogram.
Knowing the Warning Signs
Breast cancer is often silent in its early stages, which is why screening is so important. However, there are certain symptoms that should never be ignored.
Be cognizant of:
- A new lump or change in breast tissue
- Breast pain or discomfort
- Nipple discharge, especially if bloody
- Redness, swelling, or skin changes
While many breast cancers are detected before symptoms appear, any noticeable change should be evaluated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What Happens After a Diagnosis?
If breast cancer is detected, patients at EHS receive guidance through the next steps via a coordinated, team-based approach. The EHS Breast Cancer Service brings together a multidisciplinary team, including breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and care coordinators and navigators
A dedicated breast surgery navigator helps coordinate appointments, imaging, genetic testing and treatment planning, ensuring that patients remain informed, supported and empowered throughout their care journey.
Advanced Treatment Options
EHS now offers comprehensive cancer care. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery
- Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery)
- Mastectomy (removal of the breast and, when necessary, lymph nodes)
- Radiation Therapy: Often used after lumpectomy to reduce recurrence risk
- Systemic Therapies
- Chemotherapy for more advanced or aggressive cancers
- Hormonal therapy to reduce estrogen-related cancer recurrence
- Immunotherapy, which is a newer treatment that helps the immune system target cancer cells
Additionally, EHS offers on-site PET/CT imaging for cancer staging, helping care teams develop accurate and personalized treatment plans.
A Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Approach to Breast Cancer Care
EHS takes a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care, bringing together specialists in breast surgery, radiology, medical oncology and radiation oncology to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient. Physicians collaborate closely throughout the diagnostic and treatment process, reviewing imaging, pathology and other clinical findings to determine the most appropriate course of care.
With the addition of expanded oncology services at the Walsh Pavilion, EHS continues to strengthen its comprehensive approach to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients.
Take Charge of Your Breast Health
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that early detection saves lives. Regular screenings, awareness of changes in your body, and seeking prompt medical attention can make a significant difference. EHS encourages individuals to take a proactive approach to their health and take full advantage of the comprehensive breast care services available.
To learn more about our breast health services or request a mammogram, visit ehs.org/breasthealth.