Breast Health

Breast health is an important part of a woman’s overall health

One of the most important parts of breast health is screening otherwise-healthy women for breast cancer. At CMC’s Breast Care Center, we provide all women with comprehensive care for both benign and malignant breast disease. By empowering women with information and education, our patients partner with their providers in making decisions about their plan of care. Our entire team, from our fellowship-trained breast surgeon and chief of breast imaging to our technologists and nurse navigators, advocates for your breast health and well-being.

The Breast Care Center at CMC follows the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for breast cancer screening for all our patients.

Recomended screening guidelines:

Woman of average risk should start routine, annual mammograms at age 40.
Women with increased risk, including those with dense breasts, may need to start screening prior to age 40 and may require imaging in addition to annual mammogram.
Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health. The breast health specialists at CMC recommend that you discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider and develop a screening plan that’s right for you. Early detection of breast cancer saves lives and mammograms often spot breast tumors before they can be seen or felt.

Listen In — Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This new 2024 podcast collection, produced in partnership with WZID, is an excellent resource for women like you to learn about recent coverage changes in NH and treatment options available at our Breast Care Center. Click here to listen>

The Importance of

Annual Mammograms

Annual breast screening is important to find and diagnose breast cancer in the earliest stages, resulting in better treatment and outcomes.

Jessica Ryan, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Breast Care Center

NH Magazine Top Docs

“Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening and often life-changing. I strive to alleviate my patients’ fears by empowering them with confidence and knowledge, and by offering them the most advanced surgical techniques and oncology treatments available today."

Top Docs 2022–2023: learn more STATE CHAIR OF AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS COMMISSION ON CANCER

DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT & TECHNOLOGIES

Specialties & Services

At the Breast Care Center, all of a woman’s breast health needs are managed in one, coordinated and connected system. In addition to advanced screening technology, the Breast Care Center provides:

Bone density screenings
Breast conservation
Consultation
Fine needle aspiration
Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery
Nipple sparing mastectomy
Oncoplastic surgery
Risk assessment

Advanced Screening Technology

Our sophisticated breast imaging equipment and novel techniques can help reduce call backs, spot abnormalities early, and reduce the number of follow-up tests for suspicious findings.Most of our advanced breast screening services are conveniently located at CMC’s Breast Care Center:

Digital screening mammography
Three-dimensional (3-D) mammography (tomosynthesis)
Digital diagnostic mammography
Automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS)
Breast MRI
Contrast enhanced mammography
Breast biopsy

learn more

Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery

Hidden Scar™ breast cancer surgery is a type of breast cancer surgery where the incision sites are hidden, and scars are not visible when the incision heals. The Hidden Scar™ approach can be performed for both nipple sparing mastectomy or lumpectomy procedures. Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery is an advanced approach to removing breast cancer.

Scars matter! Dr. Jessica Ryan is highly skilled at removing the cancer and prioritizes your cosmetic outcome. While many women see their breast surgery scars as an empowering symbol of beating cancer, others do not. Studies show that breast surgery scars significantly impact a woman’s psychological and emotional recovery and quality of life after surgery because scars can have a large impact on a woman’s self-confidence, intimacy and body image.

The Mask

of a fighter

“Day one into your diagnosis, you’re already fighting. You’re already a survivor.” 10-year breast cancer survivor Doris Houston is grateful for her health and survivorship, and put that gratitude to work making masks for other women in the fight.

Read more cancer is not quarantined—schedule your mammogram

Seeing the difference

can make the difference

CMC’s Breast Care Center believes image quality and clarity lead to a quick detection and diagnosis. Using advanced and state of the art technology, such as the Hologic Genius™. The Hologic Genius™ provides patients with faster scans, less radiation, more comfort with the SmartCurve^® system and is FDA approved for better screening of Dense breast.

Our Siemens Mammomat Revelation—takes both 2-D and 3-D images and is used for stereotactic 3-D biopsy and contrast enhanced mammography. The image clarity of the breast tissue allows us to detect and diagnosis breast cancer at the very earliest stage. It provides wide-angle breast tomosynthesis, providing a better view of breast tissue than a standard mammogram while using far less radiation.

no visible reminders

Hidden Scar

At CMC we pride ourselves in offering an advanced approach to removing breast cancer. Hidden Scar™ breast cancer surgery allows a surgeon to remove the cancerous tissue while reducing visible scarring.

Medical Director Dr. Jessica Ryan is a certified Hidden Scar™ trained surgeon for breast cancer surgery & breast reconstruction.

Schedule your mammogram

The sooner it's spotted

Ninety-eight percent of women survive breast cancer when found at the earliest stages. The sooner it’s spotted, the easier it is to treat.

If you have questions about what age to start your screening mammogram, speak to your primary care provider or call CMC’s Breast Health Nurse Navigator:

603.663.5270 Schedule your mammogram online

Don't have health insurance?

You might be eligible for free screenings

Call us today to determine if you qualify for a free cancer screening and to register for an appointment.

Let no woman be overlooked 603.626.2626

Comprehensive Treatment Approach

Meet Our Breast Care Team

When treatment for breast cancer is required, our center offers a comprehensive treatment approach, with the latest technology, medical and surgical expertise and a variety of support services. Our care team includes: Fellowship trained breast surgeon, fellowship trained breast radiologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and nurse navigators.

Find a Provider

Awards & Recognition

NAPBC Accreditation

Accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers ensures you have comprehensive care close to home.
June 2017

learn more

Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

CMC is proud to be recognized by the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE). The ACR recognizes the dedication of BICOE recipients to improving women’s health through participation in rigorous quality assurance programs. Additionally, the following breast imaging services: mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound are ACR accredited.

learn more

FAQs

How do I dress for my mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy?

It is best to wear a two-piece outfit, as you will need to change from the waist up. Also, try not to wear deodorants, lotions or powders around the breast area or under your arms on the day of the exam.

How do I dress for my DEXA scan?

A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is a bone density scan. You will want to dress light, and try to avoid clothes that have metal (zippers, snaps, grommets) around the waist or hips. If your clothing interferes with the test, we will have you change for the exam.

When and how will I get my results?

The physician who ordered your test will receive the medical record and provide you with the results. For mammograms and breast ultrasounds, you will also receive a result letter in the mail.

I need to bring my films to the doctor. How do I get them?

Please call our Film Library at 603.663.6449 to request the films. Twenty-four hour notice is requested whenever possible. Make sure you bring an ID with you when you come to get the images. If you are sending anyone else to pick up these films, make sure they have written permission from you with them.

When should I have my first mammogram?

The Breast Care Center at CMC follows the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for breast cancer screening for all our patients:

woman of average risk should start routine, annual mammograms at age 40
women with increased risk, including those with dense breasts, may need to start screening prior to age 40 and may require imaging in addition to annual mammogram
screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health

Why can’t I have an ultrasound instead of a mammogram?

Ultrasound is a great tool, but not a replacement for a mammogram. We generally use ultrasound to evaluate a problem, lump, something seen on the mammogram, or possibly pain. For women under 30 with a problem, we will generally start with the ultrasound. Ultrasound does not see some of the very small signs of early problems that a mammogram can see.

Our Locations

Breast Care Center

Bedford Medical Park9 Washington PlaceSuite 203Bedford NH 03110

603.663.5270

Get to know us

CMC Breast Care Center

Experience the convenience of CMC’s Breast Care Center, providing all of the breast health services you need under one roof, from advanced screening and diagnosis to treatments, survivorship, and beyond.