Breast Care Program

It's easier than ever for you to get a mammogram! MaineGeneral offers digital mammograms at three convenient locations:

• Augusta
• Gardiner
• Waterville

Schedule yours by calling toll-free 877-817-1817. Tell your mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters and girlfriends to get a mammogram, too.

Your Access to Coordinated, High-Quality Care

Whether you have a mammogram or undergo treatment, we want your experience to be as worry-free as possible.

Our Breast Care Program at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta addresses total breast health and overall well-being.

You have access to a range of services provided by our multidisciplinary team of caring professionals. We stress maintaining health and wellness through education, screening, treatment and emotional support.

You will also find personal encouragement and quality medical care so you can make informed choices about the treatment you need.

Here, you'll find specialists in diagnostic imaging, breast surgery, medical and radiation oncology, pathology, nursing and counseling. We treat:

• Benign breast disease
• Breast cancer
• Breast pain
• Fibrocystic breast condition
• New breast lumps

Early detection and regular preventive care, including monthly breast self-exams offer your best protection against breast cancer.

Breast Health Guidelines

Early detection is your best defense in the fight against breast cancer. The earlier cancer is detected, the more options you have for treatment.

The American Cancer Society has developed the following guidelines for the detection of breast cancer in women:

• Women aged 20 years and older should practice breast self-examination every month.

• Women between 20 and 40 should have a physical examination of their breasts every three years.

• Women should have a baseline mammogram by age 40. Please discuss this with your health care provider.

• Women 40 years of age or older should have a physical examination of their breasts annually, as well as a mammogram every year.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic services offered through MaineGeneral's Breast Care Program include:

• Diagnostic mammography
• Fine-needle aspiration
• High-resolution breast ultrasound
• Screening mammography
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Stereotactic mammotome biopsy
• Surgery
• Ultrasound-guided core biopsy and mammotome

Breast Care Coordinators

MaineGeneral's Breast Care Program is staffed by coordinators who are registered nurses with special training in oncology and breast health.

Your breast care coordinator will help guide you through the full range of breast care services and give you peace of mind. From biopsy through treatment, they can provide or assist with:

• Access to support services
• Advice on symptom management
• Help in coordinating insurance coverage for procedures
• Education about breast health and disease, genetic factors, lymphedema and various breast problems
• Emotional support
• Expedited appointments with cancer experts
• Help in coordinating second opinions
• Risk assessment services

We realize how stressful waiting for test results can be. That's why our breast care coordinators work closely with physicians to make sure you get your results as soon as possible and that your care is coordinated efficiently.

We're Your Resource for All Your Women's Health Needs

Learn more about how we support women's health - through every stage.