Breast Cancer Awareness

Even though October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, every month is breast cancer awareness month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. 

One in eight women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. On average, a woman is diagnosed every two minutes. 

Scheduling Your Yearly Mammogram 

The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50, with roughly 16% affecting younger women. Roughly 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, meaning the cancer is contained to the breast tissue and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, and treatment is most effective.

Significant disparities persist, with black women 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women and having the lowest five-year survival rate of any racial or ethnic group. 

That’s why it’s so important to remember to schedule your yearly mammogram. You can schedule a mammogram by calling 573-815-8150 or by logging into your Boone Health patient portal. 

Harris Breast Center 

Boone Health’s Harris Breast Center has been designated a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center by the American College of Radiology. The Harris Breast Center is where you will go for several breast cancer diagnostics, including mammography, stereotactic biopsy, breast ultrasound and breast MRI. The quality of imaging and the expert abilities of Boone Health’s Radiologists who specialize in breast imaging will ensure that patients receive the clearest and most accurate information possible to help detect breast cancer. This allows for appropriate treatment to begin as soon as possible, greatly increasing the chance of long-term survival. 

Boone Health Breast Care 

Opened in 2025, Boone Health Breast Care is a clinic dedicated solely to breast health. The creation of this clinic allows the care team to focus exclusively on breast care. This enables the team to serve more patients daily and focus on providing compassionate, expert breast care in a dedicated environment. Patients can now access timely appointments for services ranging from diagnostics and surgical planning to treatment and ongoing care all in one location. 

Boone Health Breast Care provides a comprehensive range of services, including breast cancer screenings, diagnostics, breast-conserving surgeries, mastectomies with and without nipple preservation, ultrasound-guided biopsies, benign breast disease management and advanced oncoplastic surgical options. 

The clinic offers a focused, patient-centered approach to both benign and malignant breast conditions, with increased appointment availability and a space built specifically for breast care services. Patients can now access timely appointments for services ranging from diagnostics and surgical planning to treatment and ongoing care in one location. 

“Caring for patients with breast health needs is deeply personal to me,” Anne Petersen, MD said. “Every decision we made in designing this clinic was about creating a space where patients feel seen, supported and prioritized. This is more than a clinic. It’s a place of hope, healing and empowerment.”

The Breast Care Clinic includes 9 exam rooms, one procedure room, a prosthetic and bra shop as well as Boone Health’s High Risk Breast Clinic.

High Risk Breast Clinic 

During your mammogram, your Harris Breast Center Technologist will ask you questions about your personal and family history and complete a Lifetime Risk Assessment for breast cancer. Research has shown that certain health and family history factors increase your risk of developing breast cancer. 

If you’re at an increased risk of breast cancer, the High Risk Breast Clinic provides comprehensive breast cancer screenings, genetic risk evaluation and counseling to help patients be proactive in their breast health. 

A New Diagnosis

After a patient has received a new diagnosis, they will schedule a preoperative visit with one of the Breast Center providers. During this appointment, the provider will explain what the patient has and what options are available, which may include being able to keep their breasts or if a mastectomy is required. The provider will explain the type of cancer and make sure patients understand what the pathology report means. Any new breast cancer patient gets genetically tested during that visit. An MRI can also be done prior to surgery to rule out any other cancers on the same side or the opposite side. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, a final treatment plan will be set up, based on what is in the patient’s best interest.

Prosthetic and Bra Shop

Boone Health Breast Care also includes a prosthetic and bra shop for patients. Dr. Petersen recognized a need in mid-Missouri for a prosthetic and bra shop that was local and assessable to patients. Items that are available are various styles of bras with different levels of support to help patients through their breast cancer journey and healing. The shop also includes certified fitters that will help patients get fitted to their body style needs. There is a state-of-the-art room the fitters use for privacy and comfort.

Schedule Your Yearly Mammogram

• Call 573-815-8150
• Self-schedule on your Boone Health Patient Portal
• Lifetime Risk Assessment performed during mammograms

Harris Breast Center

• Services include mammography, stereotactic biopsy, breast ultrasound and breast MRI
• Located in the Outpatient Tower at Boone Hospital Center on the Lower Level
• For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 573-815-8150

Boone Health Breast Care

• Comprehensive services
• High Risk Breast Clinic – Genetic risk evaluation, counseling and proactive screenings
• Prosthetic and Bra ShopLocated at Broadway Medical Plaza 2 – 1605 E Broadway, Suite 200
• For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 573-815-8277