Breast Health

It is estimated that half of all women in the U.S. will seek consultation for a breast disorder in their lifetime. That's why it is vitally important for women to be proactive and get regular breast health care. Early detection of problems provides the greatest possibility of successful treatment. Routine care is the best way to maintain good breast health.

For women with no excess risk factors, the American Cancer Society recommends this three-step plan for preventive care:

1. Breast self-examination monthly for women age 20 and over

These exams include checking for lumps and looking for changes in the breast or surrounding areas. If you've never performed a self-exam or are not sure you're doing it correctly, ask your doctor or a breast-health professional at a Swedish Breast Center for guidance.

2. Clinical examination annually by a health professional

As part of your annual exam, your doctor or nurse will also carefully check the breast tissue and surrounding areas and look for signs of breast disease.

3. Mammography annually starting at age 40

A mammography is a low-dose X-ray used to routinely evaluate a woman’s breast health. It helps doctors see whether there are any abnormalities or changes in the breast tissue which may need to be further explored.

Although detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages is the main target of routine breast care, finding something abnormal doesn’t mean cancer. Benign breast conditions  (non-cancerous breast abnormalites) are very common. In fact, as many as 90 percent of all women have some sort of benign condition. These conditions are not life-threatening, although some of the conditions have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer at a later time.

Rest assured that if you do develop breast cancer, the Swedish Cancer Institute offers the region's most extensive range of services and expertise. These include leading cancer specialists, a broad range of treatment options, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and integrated cancer care that is as personal as it is progressive and comprehensive.

Our breast services include:

• Screening and diagnostic mammography
• Complete care for the full range of breast conditions 
• Breast high risk / prevention services including high risk assesment and genetic counseling
• Advanced imaging technology such as digital mammography and computer-aided detection (CAD)
• Minimally invasive biopsies using ultrasound or stereotactic guidance
• Breast cancer treatment

Appointments & Referrals

 Swedish Breast Centers Appointment / Referral Form (PDF)

Swedish Breast Imaging Center / First Hill

1101 Madison St., Suite 310
Seattle, WA  98104
1-855-MAMMO4U
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday
Self-referred patients accepted. Please contact center for details.

Swedish Edmonds Breast Center

Stevens Pavilion
7320 216th St. S.W.
Edmonds, WA 98026
425-640-4260, option 1
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday
Self-referred patients accepted. Please contact center for details.

Note: The following Swedish Breast Centers require patients to provide the name of their current healthcare provider in order to receive services.

Comprehensive Breast Center / Cherry Hill

1600 E. Jefferson St., Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98122
206-320-4800
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Women's Imaging Center / Ballard

2nd Floor Women's Imaging
5300 Tallman Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA 98107
206-781-6349
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Mobile Mammography Services

Swedish primary-care clinics locations & schedule
To schedule the services of the Swedish
mobile mammography program, or to learn more about
locations, fees and availability, call 206-320-4760