Screening and Early Detection

The warning signs of breast cancer are not the same for everyone. It is important to know how your breasts normally look and feel, and to see a doctor if you have any concerns or notice a change.

Screening tests are used to find breast cancer even before it causes any warning signs or symptoms. Regular screening tests (along with follow-up tests and treatment, if diagnosed) reduce your chance of dying from the disease. For current screening guidelines visit the CDC's Breast Cancer Screening information page.

The New Jersey Medical School SAVE Program provides free mammograms and other screenings through the University Hospital and Rutgers NJ Medical School. This mobile van services men and women eligible for free cancer screenings in Essex County. For more information, call 973-972-7007.

Local Care

Accredited by the American College of Radiology and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, The Breast Center at Overlook Medical Center in Summit is a pioneer in breast care. Overlook was the first hospital in New Jersey to use a stereotactic breast biopsy system and was named a Best Practice Hospital for Patient Navigation and Best Practice Repository by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center offers state-of- the-art technology and a collaborative, multidisciplinary team-based approach to provide navigation, guidance, and support throughout the course of treatment, from screening through survivorship.

Online Resources

The Susan G. Komen Foundation website provides Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics on topics including Risk Factors, Screening and Detection, Diagnosis, Treatment, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Survivorship, and Financial Assistance and Insurance. The Komen New Jersey website also provides information on nearby events and ways to volunteer.