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I have discovered a new breast screening
tool, used in conjunction with your annual mammogram,
to help identify women who are at an elevated risk
of developing breast cancer. It is a 5-minute,
non-invasive exam that can be performed in our office
the same day as your mammogram.
This test, called the HALO Breast Pap Test detects
abnormal cells in the milk ducts, where up to 95%
of all breast cancers originate. A combination
of warmth, suction, and massage is applied to the
breast with a device similar to that of a breast
pump. |
Breast Cancer is the Leading Cause of Cancer
Death in Women
Breast cancer is the leading cause
of cancer death in women age 20-59 and 8 out of 9 women
who develop breast cancer have no significant
family history of the disease.
It has long been my mission to “stamp out” breast disease
by catching it in its earliest stages. Mammograms are good,
but they cannot detect all breast cancers.
About half the women tested with the HALO Breast Pap Test
will produce nipple aspirate fluid, which is then analyzed
by a fellowship trained breast pathologist for abnormal
cells just like a cervical Pap test. The presence
of atypical cells in the fluid indicates an increased lifetime
risk of developing breast cancer. This information
can then be used to qualify you for more aggressive prevention
therapies (medication and lifestyle changes) as well as
advanced screening tests (breast MRI).
If no nipple aspirate fluid is produced, no increased
lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is indicated
and routine screening protocols are recommended.
HALO Breast Pap Test Appropriate for Woman 25 - 55
I consider the HALO Breast Pap Test to be a valuable
risk assessment tool and is appropriate
for women ages 25-55 who have not completed menopause. This
test is so new that insurance companies are not yet covering
it. The cost of the test is $80.00. If nipple
fluid is produced, the lab will bill your insurance for
the cytology evaluation. Most insurance companies
cover the lab portion however your deductible, co-pay,
or co-insurance may apply.
If you are interested in having the HALO test performed,
please speak with our scheduling department when you » call
to schedule your
annual mammogram. Or, for more breast
healthcare information, you can go to www.WellBreastTest.com.
God bless,
Elizabeth A. Jekot, MD
» Dr.
Jekot's Bio
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