Breast & Ovarian Cancer Screening
Our screening programs for breast cancer and ovarian cancer aim to find cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most curable, and identify people who are at high risk for the disease. Breast cancer screening and ovarian cancer screening at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center may include physical examination and blood or imaging tests.
We offer screening for many types of cancer.
Breast Cancer Risk
You are considered to be at an increased risk for breast cancer if you have any of the following:
- a family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative or more than one relative with the disease
- a family history of ovarian cancer
- a family history of any male with breast cancer
- a known gene mutation (BRCA) carrier in the family
- ancestry at higher risk to carry a genetic mutation, such as Ashkenazi Jewish
- relative hormonal risk factors, such as using hormone replacement therapy
- onset of menses before age 12
- menopause after age 55
- no full-term pregnancies
- no history of breastfeeding
- history of radiation exposure, including treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, or acne in childhood
- a family history of cancers of any kind that is greater than that found in the average population
- a high-risk lesion at breast biopsy, such as atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia, a history of multiple breast biopsies, or dense breasts
Ovarian Cancer Risk
Our ovarian cancer screenings are for women considered high risk because they meet the following criteria:
- have a personal or family history of ovarian cancer
- have genetic mutations that predispose them to ovarian cancer
- have used fertility drugs for more than one year
Beatrice W. Welters Breast Health Outreach and Navigation Program
The Beatrice W. Welters Breast Health Outreach and Navigation Program helps women in medically underserved communities in the five boroughs of New York City secure breast health services, including breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. Patient navigators help identify women who could benefit from breast cancer screening and assist them as they navigate the healthcare system.
Breast Cancer Screening Patient Navigation Project on Long Island
The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) Patient Navigation Project is a breast cancer screening initiative at Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. We help women in underserved communities on Long Island gain access to screening services regardless of health insurance coverage. The program, funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Health, also provides patient education and assists women with navigating their care.
We accept referrals from physicians for women between the ages of 40 and 74 years, and those under the age of 40 who may be at high risk of breast cancer. A patient navigator helps schedule an appointment for a mammogram and follow-up care with a physician as needed.
To reach the patient navigator, please call 516-375-5991. Our patient navigator is fluent in Spanish, French, Creole, and Portuguese.