Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Did you know that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women? A mammogram is the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths.
Mammograms can detect cancer early and when it is most treatable, long before it can be felt. The average size of a breast cancer detected by mammography is around 1 cm, but can be as small as 2-3 mm. However, by the time a woman can feel a breast cancer, they are often 2-3 cm in size. This difference can have huge implications in treatment and overall mortality.
Over the past year and a half during the COVID-19 pandemic, many women have skipped their routine annual mammograms for fear of going to a hospital or large outpatient clinic where they might be exposed to patients with COVID. With the new Delta variant, many women are still fearful of the same thing and may make the decision to skip this year’s mammogram as well. Unfortunately, breast cancer did not stop because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so screening can’t afford to either. At the Breast Center of Naples, Dr. Krystal Smith and her team offer a safe environment for women to have their mammograms performed. In contrast to having breast imaging performed at a hospital or large outpatient center where women could come into contact with ill patients, women can rest assured that only breast imaging studies and procedures are being performed at Breast Center of Naples. This privately owned, free-standing breast center also takes every possible precaution to create a safe, socially distanced environment. Breast Center of Naples does NOT require a provider’s order for a screening mammogram or screening ultrasound for ladies age 40 or older. So don’t delay getting your routine screening mammogram!
Also patients who have a breast problem such as a lump or discharge, should not delay evaluation. They should immediately see their doctor who will subsequently order diagnostic breast imaging.
Not only does the Breast Center of Naples take pride in making things easy for the patients, they love to take the burden off the shoulders of the referring clinicians as well. Once a physician or practitioner sends them an order for a patient, the patient is contacted promptly to schedule the appointment. Breast Center of Naples also takes care of requesting all prior imaging.
Dr. Smith, a fellowship trained breast radiologist, opened the doors of Breast Center of Naples in May 2021. This privately owned, free standing breast imaging center offers screening and diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds, image guided biopsies, pre-operative localizations, and bone density studies. Every examination is read by only fellowship-trained breast radiologists. Patients are not just a number at Breast Center of Naples either. Every aspect of the care they provide is hands on. For example, no patient will ever receive a letter in the mail regarding an abnormal screening mammogram without first being contacted by their Nurse Navigator to discuss results and to schedule them for additional recommended imaging. Dr. Smith thoroughly discusses results of diagnostic exams and biopsies with the patients. Timely diagnosis is also of utmost importance to Dr. Smith and her team, thus any additional imaging or biopsy that needs to be performed is done so in days, rather than weeks.
Not only does the Breast Center of Naples offer this specialized care, they do this in a unique setting unlike any in Collier or Lee County. A luxurious, spa-like, atmosphere awaits the patient where they are treated like family as soon as they enter the office. When the patient first arrives, they will experience the center’s beautiful reception area and welcoming staff. Once it is time for the patient’s imaging, they will be taken to a calming secondary waiting area with ample dressing rooms and a plush robe for the exam. Breast Center of Naples boasts the area’s “most comfortable mammogram” with Smart Curve technology from Hologic.
Breast Center of Naples wants to ensure that this expert, timely care is accessible to all. They accept all major insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid. They also recently partnered with Partners for Breast Cancer Care to care for underserved patients in Southwest Florida.
It is easy for patients or their providers to request an appointment at Breast Center of Naples.
Call today at 239-238-1210 or request an appointment through their website www.breastcenterofnaples.com.
Referring clinicians can fax orders to 239-238-1212.
3555 Kraft Rd., Suite 350, Naples, FL 34105
They look forward to serving you!
