Women's Center Breast Health Services
Mills-Peninsula is among national leaders in five-year breast cancer survival rates, in part because our Breast Centers detect more cancers at the earliest, most curable stages.
More than 70 percent of women diagnosed are at Stage 0 or Stage One, when survival is as high as 99 percent. This exceeds the National Cancer Database average by 9 percent, a measure that includes more than 1,500 health care organizations.
Mills-Peninsula’s comprehensive Breast Center first opened in San Mateo in 1995, with a satellite in San Bruno. Since then, they have provided thousands of mammograms. The staff is specially trained in mammography and ultrasound, and they have the best tools, including the area's first all-digital mammography. Today, the expanded breast program is located on the fifth floor of the Mills-Peninsula's Women's Center.
Highlights
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Contact Information
Women's Center
100 S. San Mateo Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 696-4140
FAX: (650) 696 4159
Screening Center
1001 Sneath Lane, Suite 100
San Bruno, CA 94406
(650) 873-1050
FAX: (650) 873-2174
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to Noon
Closed every day from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
Closed every first and third Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Imagechecker
Mills-Peninsula radiologists have a powerful computer-aided tool that functions like a spellchecker for medical images. While a radiologist reads a mammogram, Imagechecker digitizes the image and analyzes it for abnormalities. The radiologist is alerted to give any suspect areas a second look.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Mills-Peninsula is the first community hospital on the San Francisco Peninsula to offer Breast MRI diagnostic and biopsy capabilities, the most advanced breast cancer detection tool available today.
Studies have shown that MRI may detect cancers not detectable by mammography and ultrasound, especially in women with special needs, such as previous breast cancer history or other increased risk factors.
The advanced MRI equipment also makes it possible to perform a biopsy guided by the MRI image and, when necessary, to do very specific pre-operative planning.
Expert help making difficult decisions
When the diagnosis is breast cancer, women who choose the Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center for treatment have a complete range of expert options close at hand.
Mills-Peninsula cancer specialists work together to help ensure the most accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgeons, pathologists and advanced practice nurses meet weekly to review and discuss breast cancer cases.
Once treatment decisions have been made, oncology nurse specialists help each woman through her journey, every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a referral from a physician to come to a Mills-Peninsula Breast Center?
A. No. If you do not currently have a personal physician, we can refer you to one of the community physicians who serve on a special panel for the Breast Center.
Q. Can I get the results of my mammogram the same day?
A. Yes, depending on instructions from your personal physician. If you would like your results on the day of your mammogram, please let the technologist know at the beginning of your appointment.
Q. Are services at the Breast Center limited to those who have insurance?
A. Most health plans, including Medicare, provide some coverage from mammography. However, whether or not you have insurance coverage, or whether the plan you have provides full coverage, we are always happy to work with you to ensure your access to our services.
Q. How long does it take to get an appointment?
A. Appointments usually can be arranged within two weeks of your request.
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