Breast Cancer Screening
Expert Imaging. Compassionate Care. Trusted Results.
Breast cancer screening plays a critical role in early detection, often identifying concerns before symptoms appear. Many women feel healthy at the time of screening, making regular exams an important step in proactive care. At Community Care Physicians, breast screening is part of a coordinated, patient-centered approach focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and peace of mind.
Screening recommendations for breast cancer may vary based on age, personal health history, family history, and genetic risk factors, and your care team works closely with you to determine the plan that’s right for you. According to the American Cancer Society, women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to begin annual mammograms if they wish. Women ages 45 to 54 are advised to have mammograms every year, while those 55 and older can continue yearly screenings or switch to every two years. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 or more years. All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential risks associated with breast cancer screening, and make informed decisions with their doctor.
Our Breast Screening Services
Performed by The Ruth Beer Breast Center and ImageCare
We offer a full range of advanced breast imaging services, including:
- Clinical breast exams
- Conventional mammography
- Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) for enhanced imaging clarity
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI for patients with higher risk or additional clinical needs
Our advanced technology allows for detailed imaging while prioritizing comfort and accuracy.
Screening Locations
The Ruth Beer Breast Center at ImageCare
An accredited facility of the American College of Radiology (ACR), The Ruth Beer Breast Center at ImageCare provides state-of-the-art technology paired with exceptional patient care to support women’s breast health at every stage of life. Our board-certified radiologists are leaders in breast imaging, specializing in the administration and interpretation of mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI—so you can feel confident knowing your screening is reviewed by highly qualified experts. We are located in Latham and Clifton Park, NY.
ImageCare Medical Imaging
ImageCare also provides screening mammography with tomosynthesis (3D) at our offices in Niskayuna, Guilderland, North Greenbush, and Saratoga. ImageCare has radiologists subspecialized in breast and women’s imaging, ensuring your tests are reviewed by the most qualified professionals in the field. You’ll come to know our staff and trusted physicians throughout your visits with us, so you can feel confident you are in good, and familiar, hands.
Diagnosis: Clear Answers, Expert Guidance
If a screening exam detects something suspicious, your doctor may recommend additional testing to determine whether disease is present. This could include advanced imaging, such as breast ultrasound or MRI, or procedures like needle or surgical biopsies. These tests help clarify whether an area is cancerous, assess how far disease may have progressed, and evaluate the effectiveness of any treatment.
Our board-certified specialists guide you through every step, explaining results in clear, understandable terms and answering your questions along the way. We also connect you with supportive services — from counseling to patient navigation — so you’re never facing the process alone. At Community Care, our goal is precise diagnosis paired with compassionate care, giving you clarity and confidence at every stage.
Treatment: Personalized Care, Advanced Options
At Community Care, we offer a full range of state-of-the-art breast cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy — individually or in combination — tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to provide expert care in a comfortable, supportive environment, giving you both options and guidance every step of the way.
Surgical Care: Our surgeons at Community Care Breast Surgery use advanced technology to perform lumpectomies and other breast procedures with precision, helping to preserve healthy tissue whenever possible.
Medical Oncology: Chemotherapy is provided by our specialists at Upstate Hematology Oncology (UHO) in dedicated suites designed for patient comfort and safety.
Radiation Oncology: At Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), patients receive personalized treatment using either traditional or prone positioning techniques. The prone technique may help protect the heart and lungs during therapy, particularly for women with larger breast tissue.
Our multidisciplinary team works closely with you to explain your options, guide your decisions, and develop a care plan tailored to your personal needs. We also connect you with support services to help you navigate your treatment journey with confidence and peace of mind.
Breast Cancer Genetic Counseling
Breast cancer can develop even without a strong family history. However, when there is a higher incidence of breast cancer in your family, there may be reason to consider genetic testing for inherited mutations linked to increased risk.
Understanding Your Risk
One tool used to estimate breast cancer risk is the Gail Model, which calculates a percentage risk based on factors such as age, personal health history, and the number of first-degree relatives (mothers, sisters, or daughters) diagnosed with breast cancer. This model helps patients and providers make informed decisions about screening and prevention.
If multiple relatives are diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, or if the patient herself is under 50, testing may focus on BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. These genes produce tumor-suppressor proteins that help repair damaged DNA. When mutated, the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer increases significantly: approximately 65% of women with a BRCA1 mutation and 45% with a BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by age 70, compared with about 12% of women in the general population.
Many patients choose to learn whether they carry these mutations through genetic testing, which involves a simple blood sample. Results are analyzed to identify any abnormalities, and genetic counseling is provided to help interpret the findings and guide next steps.
Locations for Genetic Testing and Counseling
Upstate Hematology Oncology
UHO partners with Ferre Genetics, the primary genetic counseling resource for the Albany area. Patients can schedule a virtual visit or meet in person at the UHO office to review results and discuss personalized recommendations.
Capital Region Women's Care
Capital Region Women’s Care provides a lab order for Integrated Genetics, allowing patients to have their blood drawn at CCP’s LabCare, or refers to Ferre Genetics. Our team counsels patients on their results when they become available, helping them understand implications for screening, prevention, and family planning.