Advanced Breast Imaging Backed by Specialized Clinical Care

Breast cancer outcomes continue to improve because of earlier detection, more precise imaging and coordinated multidisciplinary care. At Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center, the Breast Center is designed to support each of these priorities. The program combines advanced imaging technology, fellowship-trained expertise, and a patient-centered approach that supports referring physicians and their patients throughout the diagnostic and treatment journey.

For clinicians managing breast health concerns, timely access to screening, and diagnostic imaging is essential. Patients also need accurate interpretation of findings and a clear path forward when abnormalities are identified. The Breast Center at Atlantic Health Chilton is structured to meet these needs while serving as a reliable partner for physicians across the region.

A Dedicated Breast Imaging Program

Specialization is central to the Breast Center’s approach. All breast imaging studies are interpreted by fellowship-trained breast radiologists who focus exclusively on breast disease.

“This is all we do, all day, every day,” says Lisa Bash, MD, medical director of the Breast Center at Atlantic Health Chilton. “We don’t have general radiologists reading breast imaging.”

Dedicated breast imagers bring experience with subtle findings, familiarity with screening guidelines, and a deep understanding of how imaging results influence next steps in care. For referring physicians, this level of expertise supports confidence in both screening and diagnostic recommendations.

Advanced Technology Supporting Earlier Detection

The Breast Center offers a comprehensive range of imaging services, including 3D digital breast tomosynthesis, diagnostic mammography, targeted breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and image-guided biopsies. Access to these modalities allows the team to tailor imaging based on clinical presentation and individual risk.

Tomosynthesis has improved cancer detection and reduced false-positive callbacks, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue. Breast MRI provides additional sensitivity for high-risk patients and plays an important role in staging known cancers.

“These tools allow us to find cancers earlier, often at stage zero or stage one, when outcomes are significantly better,” Dr. Bash says. Earlier detection remains one of the most important factors in improving survival.

Rapid Diagnostic Pathways

Timeliness is a defining feature of the Breast Center’s workflow. When screening exams identify abnormalities, the team prioritizes rapid follow-up.

“If a screening mammogram shows something concerning, we act immediately,” Dr. Bash explains. “That patient can be back within a day or two for additional imaging or biopsy. We don’t let cases sit. We move quickly so patients are not waiting and worrying.”

Shortening the diagnostic interval reduces patient anxiety and allows treatment planning to begin sooner when needed. For referring physicians, reliable turnaround times support better continuity of care.

The Importance of Screening

Screening remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing breast cancer mortality. The data is clear. Detecting cancer at an earlier stage improves prognosis and expands treatment options.

“When we find small cancers like stage zero or stage one, our patients do great,” Dr. Bash notes. “Since we started screening with mammography in the 1990s, the mortality rate from breast cancer has decreased by more than 30 percent.”

For primary care physicians and OB GYNs, encouraging routine screening remains one of the most impactful preventive interventions available. Access to high-quality imaging services ensures that screening translates into earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.

Supporting Patients Through a Stressful Process

Breast imaging can be emotionally challenging for patients, particularly when they are called back after a screening exam. The Breast Center’s team places strong emphasis on communication and support.

“We understand how anxiety-provoking this process can be,” Dr. Bash says. “Our team is focused on supporting patients from imaging through diagnosis and making sure they understand every step.”

Patients who need additional imaging are contacted directly and scheduled promptly. When biopsies are recommended, radiologists meet with patients to explain findings and review the procedure. Results are communicated directly to patients along with clear guidance on next steps, reinforcing trust with both patients and referring providers.

Seamless Transition to Multidisciplinary Care

When cancer is diagnosed, care transitions quickly to the broader Atlantic Health breast oncology team. Breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support services collaborate to develop individualized treatment plans.

“We coordinate everything,” Dr. Bash says. “If a patient needs to see a breast surgeon, we help arrange that appointment and guide her through the process.”

Multidisciplinary tumor boards allow specialists to review cases together and align on treatment recommendations. This coordinated approach helps minimize delays and ensures patients receive evidence-based care.

Risk Assessment and High-Risk Screening

In addition to routine screening, the Breast Center incorporates formal risk assessment into patient workflows. Patients complete a personal and family history questionnaire, and validated models are used to estimate lifetime breast cancer risk. Those identified as high risk may be referred for enhanced surveillance, including annual MRI in addition to mammography, and genetic counseling when appropriate.

“Our goal is to identify high-risk patients early and screen them more aggressively,” Dr. Bash says. “If they are going to develop cancer, we want to find it as early as possible.”

A Reliable Partner for Referring Physicians

Reliability and communication are essential for referring providers. The Breast Center at Atlantic Health Chilton prioritizes both. Physicians can expect timely scheduling for screening and diagnostic imaging, rapid follow-up for abnormal findings, and coordination of surgical and oncology referrals when needed. Radiologists are also available to discuss imaging findings or next steps in care.

“As a referring doctor, you can rest assured that we will take care of everything,” Dr. Bash says. “We guide patients through the entire process, from imaging to next steps.”

To learn more about breast imaging services or refer a patient, visit the Breast Center at Atlantic Health Chilton, or call 973-831-5200.