Breast cancer is one of women's greatest fears and is their third leading cause of death.  Too often, a cumbersome delivery of service exacerbates these fears, delays care and affects women's confidence in the care they receive.

In consideration of women's needs and concerns and to support the efforts of primary care physicians, UC Davis Women's Center for Health provides a Breast Health Center that offers:

• Comprehensive continuity of care that eliminates fragmentation
• Demonstrated outstanding quality of care
• Radiologists with dedicated expertise in breast health
• Radiological technicians with special training
• Case management and coordination of diagnostics or treatment within UC Davis Health System
• Patient education and information
• Direct and consistent communication to keep the physician informed through the process

You will particularily appreciate:

• Screening, evaluation and diagnosis in one location
• Personal care and attention
• Quick turnaround on biopsy reports
• Prompt response for first appointments - generally within 48 hours
• Improved access to care, with evening and Saturday hours

In addition, the program is part of UC Davis Health System, one of the leading academic medical centers in the nation at the forefront of the latest discoveries and best treatments.  Its hospital, UC Davis Medical Center, has consistently ranked on of the best hospitals in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

Screening, evaluation and diagnosis

• Mammography services onsight with inerpretation by radiologists specializing in breast imaging techniques
• Evaluation of breast lumps or masses with clinical breast examination and through techniques such as fine needle aspiration and core biopsy
• Diagnosis by a pathologist specializing in breast disease

Treatment of benign breast disease

• Consultation and follow-up for non-cancerous breast problems

Education and Support

• Self breast examination and breast care
• Discussion and education regarding diagnostic procedures
• Discussion of hormone replacement therapy and breast health
• Referral to genetic counseling

• A new or changed breast lump or abnormality felt by the referring physician or by the patient.  If found by patient, please confirm the breast lump before referral to this clinic
• Lump or mass found on the screening or diagnostic mammogram and needing evaluation
• A breast cyst suspected by either clinical breast exam or found by mammogram/ultrasound and needing either evaluation or aspiration
• Any skin changes in the breast or nipple (erythema, retraction, puckering, dimpling) in a non-lactating woman
• FNA and biopsies
• Peri-menopausal or post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy questions related to the breast
• Strong risks for breast cancer based on family history. (Such cases are immediately referred to the genetic counselor.)
• Spontaneous unilateral nipple discharge
• Bilateral nipple discharge. (The referring provider should complete the initial work-up and forward the details to the clinic for review.  If the review determines an appointment is appropriate, our staff will schedule the patient.)
• Prior history that includes any breast carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia for regular evaluation and treatment option discussions

Physicians referring their patient to the Breast Health Center, please fax or send the following:

• Referral
• Mammography and ultrasound reports.  If prior mammography exists, please send the files to:  Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center, 4860 Y Street, Suite 2500, Sacramento, CA  95817, Attention:  Breast Health Center
• Pertinent laboratory results, including biopsy and FNA