At the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, we understand that waiting to find out what an abnormal mammogram or breast lump means can be a very stressful time for many women. Therefore, we have a number of programs, resources and educational materials that we hope will help to relieve some of this stress and anxiety.
Navigating Breast Care: I Have a Breast Cancer Symptom or Abnormal Imaging
Same-day evaluations
The Coordinated Diagnostic Evaluation Program is designed to diagnose and evaluate patients with breast lumps and abnormal mammograms. Our goal is to coordinate and shorten the breast cancer diagnosis process for patients.
The diagnostic team consists of:
- Surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of breast problems
- Pathologists who specialize in fine needle aspiration and breast disease diagnosis
- Radiologists who specialize in breast imaging
- Nurse practitioners who specialize in breast cancer
The program is coordinated by a nurse who screens patients for the program, obtains any mammogram films done outside of UCSF Medical Center and arranges any necessary tests or procedures.
Education materials
At the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, we aim to provide you with information and support that will enable you to make the best health care decisions for your needs. Below you will find links to some educational information that is applicable to your particular situation. Further information can be gathered at our Patient and Family Cancer Support Center or by talking with your doctor.
- Breast anatomy
- Breast cancer biology
- Breast cancer signs and symptoms
- Breast cancer diagnosis
- Breast cancer treatments
Clinical trials
Clinical trials are studies designed to test the effectiveness of experimental treatments, including new drugs, types of intervention or combinations of therapies. Learn more about clinical trials at UCSF Health.
For information on specific breast cancer clinical trials offered at UCSF Medical Center, please visit the clinical trial section on the UCSF Breast Care Center website. To search a database of National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical trials nationwide, please visit CancerNet.
Note: The clinical protocols listed here are presented as an educational service to doctors and patients; they should not be interpreted as providing medical advice nor be used for the diagnosis or treatment of cancer or any other health problem. Enrollment is based on satisfying eligibility criteria; final determination for inclusion in a study is made solely at the discretion of the principal investigator.
Diagrams for abnormal mammogram and abnormal lump
View diagram of abnormal mammogram
Different services and information are needed at different points in the wide spectrum of breast health care and breast cancer treatment. We have created the above maps to serve as an example of a general path of diagnoses and treatment in order to help you to better understand your own individual experience. While there are common pathways to screening, diagnosis and treatment within breast care and breast cancer, you must be aware that your individual path may differ from that presented here. It is important to discuss the details of your individual story with your doctor.
Navigating your path
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
