Kaleida Health champions breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026 12:07 AM

Kaleida Health champions breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We're proud to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Although breast health is important year-round, October is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to supporting breast health for everyone in Western New York and raising awareness about screening, education and available services in our community.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Although breast cancer is much more common in women, men can develop breast cancer, too. When breast cancer is caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%, underscoring the importance of awareness, access to care and early detection.

Through comprehensive care, community outreach and partnerships with trusted local providers, Kaleida Health helps connect patients with breast health education, screening and specialized services. Whether you have questions about your risk, need a screening or are seeking care for a concerning change, your primary care provider or OBGYN can help guide your next steps.

Regular primary care and OBGYN visits support breast health

Routine visits with a primary care provider or OBGYN play an important role in breast health. Local practices, including Queen City OBGYN, General Physician Women's Health and Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo (GCH Buffalo) OBGYN clinics, help patients understand their risk factors, identify concerns and access appropriate care.

Services and guidance may include:

• Screening and risk assessment: Discussions about recommended screening, personal and family medical history and individual risk factors.
• Preventive education: Information about breast health, lifestyle factors, genetic risk and changes to look for.
• Referral services: Guidance to imaging, diagnostic testing and specialized care when needed.

Primary care providers and OBGYNs can help patients determine which services are appropriate for their needs and coordinate referrals to specialized providers.

Comprehensive breast health services at Kaleida Health

Kaleida Health offers a range of breast health services, from screening and diagnostic testing to treatment and reconstruction.

• Mammography: Mammography services are available at Buffalo General Medical Center (BGMC) and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (MFSH), including advanced 3D mammography through the Genius Platinum Program. Mammography can help detect breast cancer, including abnormalities that may not be felt during a physical exam.
• Breast biopsy: Biopsies help evaluate abnormalities identified through mammography, ultrasound or other diagnostic testing.
• Genetic testing and counseling: Genetic testing can identify inherited variants associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. Genetic counselors help patients understand their results and what they may mean for their health and family members.
• Infusion therapy: Regional infusion centers provide treatment options that may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, depending on a patient's diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses targeted treatment to destroy cancer cells while helping minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Surgical options: Experienced breast surgeons provide individualized surgical care, which may include mastectomy, partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, based on each patient's diagnosis, health and treatment goals.
• Breast reconstruction: Patients undergoing mastectomy may have reconstruction options through collaboration with experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

Together, these services help patients access care throughout evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Support at every step

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring many questions and concerns. Kaleida Health Cancer Care helps connect patients with clinical expertise, supportive services and resources throughout their care journey.

• Nurse navigation: Nurse navigators and care coordinators help patients navigate a cancer diagnosis, address barriers to care and connect with appropriate clinical services and resources.
• Nutrition counseling: Registered dietitians provide individualized guidance and practical support for nutrition-related concerns during cancer treatment.
• Palliative and hospice care: Palliative care can help manage physical and emotional symptoms and improve quality of life during serious illness. Hospice care provides compassionate support for patients and families when end-of-life care is needed.
• Survivorship services: Led by Great Lakes Integrated Network (GLIN) as part of Kaleida Health Cancer Care, survivorship services help address the ongoing needs of cancer survivors. These resources support patients as they navigate life after treatment and the physical, emotional and practical challenges that can accompany survivorship.

A unified commitment to breast health

Through primary care, OBGYN services, diagnostic imaging, cancer treatment and supportive care, Kaleida Health is committed to helping people throughout Western New York access the breast health services they need.

This October, take charge of your breast health and encourage those around you to do the same. Know your risk, discuss screening recommendations with your healthcare provider and seek medical guidance if you notice a change. Although breast cancer is less common in men, it can affect them, too. Early detection and timely evaluation are important for everyone.

Take the next step in your breast health

Staying up to date on recommended mammograms is an important part of early detection. If you're due for a screening, don't put it off. Kaleida Health makes it easy to take the next step in your breast health journey.

Ready to schedule your mammogram? If you already have a MyChart account or would like to sign up, visit MyChart to get started.

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Learn more or schedule an appointment

Whether you need routine screening, have questions about your breast health or are seeking care for a concerning change, Kaleida Health offers resources to help you take the next step.

• General Physician Primary Care
• Hertel Elmwood Medicine Center
• General Physician Women's Health
• Queen City OBGYN
• GCH Buffalo OBGYN Centers

For breast health concerns, patients may contact their primary care provider or OBGYN to discuss appropriate screening, evaluation or referrals.