Breast Health

Service available at   Kapiolani Pali Momi Straub Wilcox

Breast health is the number one concern for many of our patients. Our integrated services guide women through preventive care and screening as well as the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases in a comfortable and caring environment.

We use state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic testing to ensure our patients’ peace of mind, providing mammograms, ultrasound and MRIs. Our imaging services have been recognized for their excellence by the American College of Radiology. For high-risk patients, we offer genetic counseling and testing to ensure each patient understands their options for personalized care.

Schedule a Mammogram Today

You may also schedule your mammogram in MyChart. If you are not already enrolled, sign up for MyChart.

Reminders

  • Please bring a picture ID and your insurance card(s) with you on the day of your appointment.
  • Be sure to bring any additional documents provided to you by your physician.
  • If you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage, contact your insurance company directly.

Programs & Services available at:


Kapiolani 808 973 5967

Kapiolani Women's Center

Kapiolani is home to the state's first comprehensive program dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Its beautiful, state-of-the-art center provides Hawaii's women with convenient, coordinated health care in a warm and supportive environment. The dedicated team of physicians and specialists deliver the highest level of clinical excellence, while breast health nurses serve as caregivers for our patients, guiding women through diagnostic tests and treatments when necessary.

  • Mammography – screening, diagnosis, implants
  • Digital 2D and 3D mammography (tomosynthesis breast imaging)
  • Stereotactic core biopsy – non-surgical breast biopsy
  • Ultrasound guided core biopsies, cyst aspirations, imaging
  • CAD R2 ImageChecker® – advanced analysis of images to help detect the presence of masses that may indicate breast cancer
  • Breast MRI
  • Breast cancer pre-treatment conferences – multispecialty conference, second opinion services
  • High risk breast program
  • Genetic counseling and testing
  • Breast cancer clinical trials
  • Lymphedema treatment – complex physical therapy, manual lymph drainage
  • Nutritional counseling Cancer support group - Free
  • Breast health education – breast self-exam instruction
  • Lymphedema information session - Free
  • Healthy Living with Breast Cancer information session - Free

Kapiolani Women’s Center: 1-808-973-5967

Kapiolani Women’s Center Appointments: 1-808-527-2588

 

Pali Momi 808 535 7733

The Pali Momi Women’s Center has grown to meet the needs of the Central and West Oahu communities.

Since opening in 2003, patients have come to depend on the Women’s Center for regular check-ups and advanced breast health care. In 2012, the newly designed Women’s Center opened at the Pali Momi Outpatient Center, conveniently located near Pearlridge Center Uptown.

This new expansion combines Pali Momi’s tradition of excellent care and emphasis on patient safety, all in a spa-like, healing environment. The multidisciplinary team combines an impressive group of physicians and clinical staff, allowing patients to greatly benefit from their collective expertise and coordinated, comprehensive approach to patient care.

  • Digital 2D and 3D mammography (tomosynthesis breast imaging)
  • Computer aided detection (CAD) advanced analysis of images to help detect the presence of abnormalities
  • Non-surgical breast biopsy (stereotactic and ultrasound)
  • Breast ultrasound

Pali Momi Mammography Services: 1-808-535-7733

Pali Momi Women's Center: 1-808-485-4500

Hui Malama Kakoo Cancer Support Group: 1-808-485-4548

Straub 808 522 4221

Straub offers diagnostic and treatment services for people who have breast problems ranging from benign breast conditions to breast cancer.

Its physicians work as a team to provide their patients with comprehensive services including:

  • Breast cancer screening
  • Mammography, ultrasound, MRI-guided breast biopsy and other services
  • Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biological treatments, hormone therapy and other treatments for breast cancer
  • Breast cancer prevention counseling
  • Genetic counseling for people who are at high risk for breast cancer
  • Access to experimental therapies as part of clinical trials for people who have breast cancer
  • Patient education and breast cancer survivorship programs

Straub’s breast health team includes physicians trained in breast surgery, breast imaging, medical cancer treatment (oncology), the study of tissue samples for signs of disease (pathology), radiation therapy for cancer (radiation oncology), plastic surgery, genetics, nursing and psychology. The breast health team provides coordinated care to treat the following conditions:

  • Abnormal mammogram and new or suspicious lumps
  • Breast cancer risk assessment and family history of breast cancer
  • Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) in men
  • Noncancerous (benign) breast disease, atypical, ductal and lobular hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
  • Other breast problems such as changes in breast skin, nipple discharge, breast infection and breast pain

Straub offers state-of-the-art digital mammography at a neighborhood clinic near you.

Straub Mammography Services: 1-808-522-4221

 

Wilcox 808 245 1030

Wilcox Women's Center

The newly designed Wilcox Women’s Center is a place that combines a spa-like, healing environment with the advances of medical science.

Read about the latest in women’s health from the library nook or relax in a cotton robe while sipping cold fruit-infused water as the dedicated staff guides you through your health care needs. The center provides an array of health resources, education, and services for women as well as state-of-the-art technology for early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

  • Mammography – screening, diagnosis, implants
  • Stereotactic core biopsy – non-surgical breast biopsy
  • Ultrasound guided core biopsies, cyst aspirations, imaging
  • High Risk Breast Program
  • Breast MRI 
  • 320CT scanner - one of only two in the state, for the most advanced imaging
  • Breast cancer pre-treatment consultations – multispecialty conference, second opinion services
  • Genetic counseling and testing
  • Breast cancer clinical trials
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Breast health education – breast self-exam instruction 

Wilcox Women’s Center: 1-808-245-1030


High Risk Breast Program

The comprehensive High Risk Breast Program helps women who are at an increased risk for development of breast cancer, designed with prevention in mind.

The High Risk Breast Program includes:

  • Detailed history and physical exam
  • Breast cancer risk assessment
  • Breast imaging
  • Chemoprevention
  • Radiology services
  • Physician and nursing services
  • Genetic counseling and testing
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Psychological services
  • Patient education and support services
  • Access to research and clinical trials
  • Education on risk reduction and prevention as well as early detection methods 

High Risk Breast Program: 1-808-245-1547

FAQs

Mammography - The Only Proven Way to Protect Yourself Against Breast Cancer
When it's time for your annual mammogram, visit one of our Hawaii Pacific Health locations. Women can count on expert care with modern digital equipment, all in a peaceful, spa-like environment, complete with cotton robes and special touches designed with your comfort in mind.

What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is a breast X-ray. Mammography is recommended as a regular screening examination to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. Experts estimate that mammograms result in a 30% reduction in breast cancer death. You may be concerned about the long-term effects of regular breast X-rays. Recent advances in techniques and equipment have lowered the amount of radiation needed to produce a mammogram. A standard two-view mammogram of each breast requires less radiation than most routine dental X-rays.

The benefits of early detection

  • A breast lump will be found in one in three women at some time during her life. While the majority of lumps found in breasts are benign, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women.
  • One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. When breast cancer is identified at its earliest most treatable stages, a woman's prospects for a healthy future increase dramatically.
  • Mammography can identify lumps that are less than one centimeter in size. This is smaller than can be felt by even the most experienced breast exam practitioner.

Who Should Have a Mammogram?
The American Cancer Society and many physicians now recommend a mammogram every year if you are age 40 or older. Your physician also may recommend more frequent mammograms starting at an earlier age if:

  • You have a personal history of breast cancer
  • Your mother or sister has had breast cancer
  • You have never had children or you had your first child after age 30
  • You began menstruating before you were 11 years old

Are Mammograms Covered?
Both diagnostic and screening mammograms are covered by most medical insurance plans. Check with your insurance provider to verify your coverage.

Regular Physician Examinations
Starting at age 20, you should have your breasts regularly examined by your physician. The need for routine examinations will vary according to your family medical history, your age and your own uniqueness.

MRI
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends MRI in conjunction with mammograms for women at very high risk. MRI is not to be used in place of mammograms for breast cancer screening.

Who falls in the "very high risk" category?
According to the ACS, women who meet the following guidelines should have an MRI annually with their mammogram. Most plans cover this exam with at least one of the following criteria with a pre-authorization:

  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
  • First-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, even if they have yet to be tested themselves
  • Lifetime risk of breast cancer has been scored at 20%-25% or greater, based on one of several accepted risk assessment tools that look at family history and other factors
  • Received radiation treatment to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30
  • Has Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or may have one of these syndromes based on a history in a first-degree relative

Why not use MRI to screen all women?
While it is true, MRI is more sensitive than mammograms, it is also more likely to detect abnormalities in the breast that may or may not be cancer. Often, the only way to make a definitive diagnosis is through biopsy. MRI results in more false positives than mammograms. Understandably, this leads to fear and anxiety for the patient, and many unnecessary biopsies. Thus, MRI is not recommended for a woman at average risk, and careful screening is important.

How can I get an MRI?
If you believe you meet the guidelines, please talk with your doctor first. If your doctor refers you for an MRI, a thorough history and evaluation will be completed to confirm that an MRI is appropriate before the exam is ordered.

Are you at Risk for Breast Cancer?
While all women are at risk, some are at increased risk due to family history or previous cancer. An ounce of prevention, the old saying goes, is worth a pound of cure. While there is no vaccine or "magic bullet" cure for breast cancer, early detection gives the best chance for successful treatment and cure since the cancer is detected before it has spread to other parts of the body.

While the cause of breast cancer is still unknown, there are some risk factors that increase your chances of developing breast cancer. One indication of increased risk is breast cancer in another family member - in a woman's mother, sister or daughter. Also, in recent years, research has identified other risk factors that suggest the need for a closer look and more frequent monitoring for some women.

High Risk Breast Program
Kapiolani's High Risk Breast Program is the first high risk program of its kind in Hawaii. The special monitoring program provides women with peace of mind and the satisfaction of knowing they are taking all reasonable steps to manage their risk. The program encompasses imaging services, physician and nursing services, genetic counseling and testing, nutritional counseling, psychological counseling, education and research.

To qualify, a woman must have at least one of the following risk factors: a first-degree relative (mother, father, daughter, sister) or multiple second-degree relatives (first cousin, aunt, uncle, grandparents) with breast cancer; any family history of ovarian cancer; a previous breast biopsy showing signs of atypical (abnormal appearing) cells, which are not cancer but need to be closely followed. Upon entering the program, the woman will complete a detailed questionnaire about her family health history and then will get a physical exam. She will then be assessed as to her specific risk and work with the team to develop a monitoring plan.

Patients will have the opportunity to meet with genetics professionals to help determine if they have inherited genetic risk factors. If indicated, further evaluation can be done with a simple blood test for the two genes associated with inherited breast cancer. Women with breast cancer will be eligible to take part in clinical drug trials offered in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii.

Kapiolani High Risk Breast Program: 1-808-535-7000