Breast Health

Preventing, diagnosing and treating breast pain, lumps, cancer and more with state-of-the-art imaging, medical and surgical services.

Breast Health at UTMB Health

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to breast health. Even the experts differ on some details related to breast cancer screening. In addition, every person has different risk factors that may need to be considered. You can never be too young to learn about the signs, symptoms and risks of breast cancer.

Here are some steps you can take to manage your breast health. You can begin this process as soon as you begin visits to the gynecologist – even in your teens or twenties.

Three steps to managing your breast health:

Breast Health

  • 1. Know Your Risk
    • Talk to family to learn about family health history.
    • Talk to your doctor about your risks for breast cancer.
    • See the full list of risk factors.
  • 2. Know Your Breasts
    • Know the “normal” look and feel of your breasts.
    • Use a mirror to see all areas of the breasts.
    • See your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:
      • Lump, hard knot or thickening in the breast or underarm area
      • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the skin of the breast
      • Change in the size or shape of the breast
      • Dimpling or puckering of the skin
      • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
      • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
      • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
      • New pain in one spot that does not go away
  • 3. Get Screened
    • Work with your health care provider to plan what age you should begin, and how often you should have, routine mammogram screenings and clinical examinations. Schedule an appointment.
    • Take into account your family and personal risk factors.
    • Discuss what factors might change that plan in the future, such as new cancer diagnosis in the family or breast changes.
Breast Health at UTMB Health

Our Services

Why Choose UTMB Health?

Is it time for your annual mammogram? Do you want to know if you’re genetically at greater risk for breast cancer? Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Regardless of your breast health needs, by choosing UTMB Health:

  • You will have access to the most comprehensive care and advanced treatments available for all breast conditions and diseases, provided by some of the region’s most highly distinguished and experienced physicians and breast health specialists
  • You can be confident you are receiving the right treatment because of UTMB’s multidisciplinary approach to care
  • You will have access to clinical trials and groundbreaking treatment options

Quality of Care

UTMB Health is recognized for the quality of its breast health programs. These distinguished designations mean you can trust that you will receive the best care for the best possible outcome.

Our Locations

In the Health Blog
web banner with headshot image of UTMB Health radiologist Dr. Angelica Robinson, a black, smiling woman wearing pearls, a pink button down shirt positioned next to headshot of a smiling Dr. Crystal Alvarez, obgyn wearing a white coat and pearl earrings

Breast self awareness and screenings

From defining breast self awareness to discussing screening mammography guidelines, UTMB Health experts share the latest information to ensure women know what to do to stay on top of their breast health.

graphic image of featuring a circle frame with headshot of UTMB Breast Health patient Matilda Pettis. The banner features the words "Think Pink" which is the name of a publication in which Matilda's story was featured

Learning to trust the process

Facing her second battle with breast cancer, Matilda Pettis is thankful to have the UTMB Breast Health team by her side through her journey.

large pink circle with the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon featured to the left of four circle photo frames with headshot images of members of  the UTMB Breast Health team

Navigating breast cancer care: UTMB's comprehensive approach

At UTMB Health, breast cancer patients find not just treatment but a comprehensive care experience where patients can connect with their surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and plastic surgeon all in one convenient location, often within a single day.

Pamela French: Think Pink

'People I hardly knew stepped up'

Inspired by a friend's battle with cancer, Pamela French decided she wasn't going to be the "sick girl" when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even when it tried to take everything she had, she fought back and kept it from taking her life.