Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostics

Breast cancer accounts for 30 percent of all new cancer cases among women worldwide, with more than 2 million new diagnoses expected this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

When it comes to breast cancer, the best prevention is early detection — to find it at an early stage, before symptoms arise and when it is most treatable — through regular screening tests. Breast cancer screening technologies are continually evolving, and great strides have been made in both accuracy and patient comfort. In fact, these advances are credited for the significant, 40-percent decrease in breast cancer death rates over the last two decades.

The most common early detection tool for breast cancer is the routine screening mammogram. An annual screening mammogram is recommended for women age 40 and older who do not have any breast cancer symptoms or concerns. (Click here to hear five cancer survivors share their personal stories about breast cancer and the importance of catching it early with annual screening mammograms.)

There are several types of screening mammograms, and mammography can also be used to diagnose breast cancer. Diagnostic mammograms help investigate breast tissue when symptoms, suspicious breast changes or abnormal screening results indicate the need for follow-up evaluation; these often employ additional techniques to focus on a specific area of concern. Click here to learn more about the different types of mammograms and other breast imaging technologies.

Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostics Services at SMH

At Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, our comprehensive breast cancer screening, diagnostic, treatment and support services combine superior technology with compassionate care in a comfortable environment. Our breast health services include:

• 3D mammography (digital 2D mammography is available for patients who prefer it)
• 3D mammography with SmartCurveTechnology
• Genetic counseling and testing for hereditary cancers
• Breast Ultrasound and MRI
• Computer-aided Detection
• Breast biopsy (stereotactic, ultrasound and MRI-guided biopsies)
• Breast biopsy with Hologic Affirm System
• Cyst aspiration
• Ductography / galactography
• Lymphoscintigraphy

No woman should be without access to breast cancer screening or diagnostic services due to a lack of health insurance or inability to pay. If you or someone you know is uninsured or cannot afford a mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast biopsy or other breast health service, please call our Breast Health Grant Support Program for assistance: 941-917-7642.

Is Breast Cancer Screening Right for You? 

The Sarasota Memorial breast cancer care team recommends that all women ages 40 and older have a screening mammogram and a clinical breast exam every year and that women ages 25 to 39 have a clinical breast exam every 1 to 3 years. These recommendations may vary for women who have a history of breast cancer or an increased risk of developing breast cancer, so be sure to talk with your gynecologist and primary care physician to develop a screening schedule that’s best for you.

Breast Cancer Screening Team

Breast imaging radiologists Maria Finazzo, MD; Steven Merandi, MD; and Sara Floyd, MD, bring highly specialized expertise to Sarasota Memorial’s multidisciplinary breast-cancer care team, which meets regularly to review and collaborate on cases, recommend treatments and ensure patients receive the best care. Other key team members are highly trained radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, counselors and nurse navigators who specialize in breast cancer care, screening, diagnostics and treatment.

Honors & Accreditation

• The American College of Radiology designated Sarasota Memorial a Gold Standard Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.


• Sarasota Memorial's Breast Health Center is a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence, as designated by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC) program, placing it among an elite group of facilities recognized for continued commitment to providing quality breast care and reaching a level of national excellence.


• Sarasota Memorial is fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and has maintained continuous Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation since 1988.

Related links

Mammogram Q&A

Women’s Health Services

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