Expert Breast Care: From Screening to Recovery

At North Oaks Health System, caring for our community means more than treating illness. It means walking alongside our patients through every step of their health journey.

That’s the heart behind the North Oaks Breast Care Program, established in 2023 and designed to support individuals from their first annual screening exam through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Breast Cancer Facts

Female breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and approximately 13%, or 1 in 8 women in the U.S., will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

The National Cancer Institute projects that an estimated 316,950 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2025 — representing 15% of all new cancer cases in the country.

While certain risk factors like age, genetics, family history of breast cancer, and lifestyle choices can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, many women diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors beyond being female and over 40.

Why Early Detection Matters

Breast cancer is most treatable when caught early. The American Cancer Society reports that when breast cancer is found before it has spread outside the breast, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer patients is 99%.

Early detection starts with regular screening tests. North Oaks encourages everyone to make annual mammograms a priority — not just in October, but year-round. With advanced tools like 3D mammography, our team can more accurately detect breast cancer earlier, leading patients to get care faster.

3D mammograms offer several benefits:

• Clearer images for more accurate results
• Faster diagnosis
• Fewer unnecessary callbacks
• A more comfortable experience

Personalized Guidance When It’s Needed Most

If a screening or diagnostic mammogram shows something unusual, our patient navigators are ready to help. They guide patients through the next steps — from scheduling follow-up tests to connecting with specialists — so no one has to face the unknown alone.

A Team You Can Trust

The North Oaks Breast Care Program brings together a care team of experts who specialize in breast health:

• Radiologists trained in advanced breast imaging
• Surgeons experienced in breast procedures and reconstruction
• Oncologists offering the latest in breast cancer treatments

Together, they create personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs that treat their breast cancer with compassion and skill.

Fast-Tracked Care, Close to Home

Waiting for answers can be one of the hardest parts of a health scare. That’s why North Oaks has streamlined the process, often connecting patients with a surgeon or scheduling a biopsy within just a few days of an abnormal breast screening.

If cancer is diagnosed, patients are quickly connected to the full range of care they need, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and more.

Healing Beyond Treatment

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. North Oaks offers physical and occupational therapy, including certified lymphedema care, to help patients regain strength and confidence. Nutrition counseling is also available to support healing from the inside out.

Community Support Systems That Makes a Difference

Support is also a powerful part of healing. North Oaks connects patients with local and national resources, including patient and caregiver support groups. We’re proud to partner with Krewe Da Cha Chas, a local nonprofit that provides encouragement and community for breast cancer fighters and survivors.

We’ve also built a team of survivor support volunteers made up of North Oaks staff and community members who have also experienced early and advanced breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. They’re here to offer one-on-one support, share their experiences and remind patients they’re not alone during their breast cancer journey.

Care Centered on You

At its core, the North Oaks Breast Care Program is about people, not just patients. We believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care, right here in our community.

If you’re due for your annual screening visit, don’t wait. Call North Oaks scheduling at (985) 230-7777 to book your mammogram today.

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Learn more about mammograms and breast cancer early detection here.

Explore cancer care at North Oaks Health System here.

Looking for a breast cancer support group? Visit our community calendar here for the latest patient and caregiver support group meeting dates and times.