Breast Cancer Screening
Breast health plays a significant role in the well being of women. Between 60 and 80 percent of women will develop fibrocystic breast changes that may require an invasive procedure for further evaluation and diagnosis. One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection is the best way to beat breast cancer. The five year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 90 percent and your chances of surviving are better if the cancer is detected early.

American Cancer Society recommendations for early breast cancer detection:

• Women age 40 and older should have a yearly mammogram. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a periodic health exam every three years.
• Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers.
• Women at increased risk - family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer - should speak with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests or having more frequent exams.

Select the link for information about the Mobile Mammography Van services provided by Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Time can seem to stand still from the moment a woman first feels a lump in her breast or receives a mammogram with abnormal results until the reason for the concern is identified. At the Margaret Proctor Mulligan Breast Health and Research Program, we understand that timeliness of care and convenience are best for patients, both physically and emotionally.

When a woman or her physician first contacts the Margaret Proctor Mulligan Breast Health and Research Program with an breast health concern, an appointment can be scheduled within 24 hours. Mammogram and ultrasound results are available the day of the appointment. Often biopsies can be performed at the initial visit, with results available within hours. In many instances, a patient will have their diagnosis the very day of the first appointment

The Margaret Proctor Mulligan Breast Health and Research Program offers a variety of programs and services catering to women with various breast health needs:

Screening and Diagnostic Mammography
Ultrasound and Mammography
General Surgery and Surgical Oncology
Medical Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Surgical Pathology
Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery
Genetic Counseling
Lymphedema Education and Therapy
Clinical Trials and Breast Cancer Research
Spiritual and Psychosocial Support
Social Workers
Prosthetic and Cosmetic Support
Second Opinion Breast Cancer Clinic
Support Groups
Resource Library

At the Margaret Proctor Mulligan Breast Health and Research Program, women have a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, diagnostic radiology professionals and many other health experts to efficiently and effectively examine and treat all breast health related issues.

We include our patients in the decision-making process, helping women and their families understand what to expect, answering their questions, discussing treatment options, coordinating their care, explaining procedures, scheduling appointments and providing support.

For more information on the clinical team or to make an appointment, please call one of these numbers:

Referrals and new patients: (573) 882-8454.

Existing patients: (573) 882-8445

For general questions regarding breast health or breast cancer, please contact Erin Spears, RN, BSN, OCN, Nurse Clinician at (573) 884-7718.