The Breast Health program at Columbus Regional Health offers a complete spectrum of breast care services — routine screening mammograms, genetic testing, advanced reconstructive surgery and cancer treatment — all in one location. No matter what you need, you can expect personalized attention at CRH.

Our patients are our mission, and we strive to partner with them in every aspect of their care,” said Martha Dwenger, M.D., lead interpreting physician of the Breast Health program. This includes offering navigation, counseling and education to help patients make sense of their diagnostic and treatment options.

Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society revised its guidelines and lowered the age to begin screening for breast cancer from 45 to 40. When you receive a mammogram at CRH, you have options. 

The Breast Health program offers 3D digital mammography, which provides clear X-ray pictures of each breast from multiple angles, with as little compression and discomfort as possible. The program also offers Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasound imaging.

All patients receive a risk assessment score based on family history and various health factors to help guide their screening decisions.

“We want to make routine mammograms as convenient as possible, so we offer morning, evening and Saturday appointments,” said Breast Health program Manager Elizabeth Youngman, R.T. “Patients can even get their bone density screening (DEXA) during the same appointment.”

If breast cancer is detected, patients have access to a coordinated team of experts and personalized treatments. Carlos Vieira, M.D., the only fellowship-trained breast surgeon in southeastern Indiana, leads the breast surgery team. Dr. Vieira offers surgical procedures that provide excellent cancer outcomes with less pain, faster recovery and better reconstructive results. His office also offers genetic testing and counseling.

“Some patients may be eligible for nipple-sparing mastectomy, which involves identifying the blood vessels supplying the nipple so that we can avoid them during surgery,” he said.

Most patients undergoing breast surgery will require an injection of a radioactive solution near the tumor to determine how far the cancer has spread. “We’ve collaborated with our anesthesia team to provide better pain control for this presurgical procedure,” Dr. Vieira said. “We also administer local anesthesia at the surgical site to help patients recover more quickly.”

Dr. Vieira’s team is also involved in clinical research to help detect cancer recurrence by detecting residual levels of tumor DNA in a patient’s blood. “Personalized cancer monitoring can help guide treatment decisions and help patients take steps to prevent cancer from returning,” he said.