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Breast Imaging

UCSF Breast Imaging offers a full spectrum of imaging techniques for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer and related cancers, using the most advanced equipment. Our services range from digital mammograms to breast MRIs and ultrasounds to image-guided procedures, such as taking tissue samples, removing fluid and locating areas of concern before a surgical biopsy. (See the complete list below of available imaging services. Not all services are available at every location.)

Our record as a world-renowned breast imaging program spans 30 years. Speed of diagnosis is a distinguishing feature, supported by the prompt reporting of breast imaging results. (Results are available in MyChart or by request from the UCSF Imaging Library.) We use 100 percent full-field digital mammography, which has been shown to detect cancers that were missed using older technologies and uses less radiation than analog mammography.

Specialized nurse navigators

Our nurse navigators are registered nurses with special training in breast imaging and breast care. They serve as your primary point of contact and personal advocate from the time an abnormality is found through diagnosis. Your nurse navigator provides personalized education, care coordination, and support to both you and your family.

Our nurse navigator services include:

  • Providing breast cancer risk-reduction counseling and screening recommendations
  • Explaining your imaging results and guiding you through the recommended next steps
  • Helping you prepare for and recover from biopsy procedures
  • Informing you about your biopsy results and recommended follow-up care
  • Discussing breast cancer pathology (specifics on a particular cancer and how it tends to progress) and providing an overview of treatments
  • Arranging for referrals to breast health specialists, genetic counselors and social workers

To contact our nurse navigators, please call (415) 502-4595 or email [email protected].

Images and reports

Getting your results

A radiologist will review your images and write a report. When finalized, the report and your images will be available in MyChart, UCSF's secure online portal for patients. You can access this report as soon as this occurs, so you may see it before your referring doctor does. Learn more about receiving test results and medical reports in MyChart. If you have questions about a report, please contact your referring doctor.

Rest assured that if your results are abnormal, one of our nurse navigators will reach out to you within two business days to discuss the results and answer your questions. The nurse will also talk to you about any recommended follow-up tests and help you schedule them. It's important to know that in most cases of an abnormal result, additional testing determines that there is no cancer.

To get a CD of your medical images and reports, send a request to the UCSF Imaging Library.

Sending images to UCSF

If you need to send medical images that were taken at another institution to your UCSF radiologist, you can do so through our secure online portal. For instructions, visit How to Send Radiology Images to UCSF.

Our services

Not all services are available at every one of our locations (see map below). Our schedulers can let you know which locations offer the service you need.

Doctor referral required

Our locations

Expand Map

    How to send radiology images to UCSF

    Before your appointment, securely upload images for our radiologists to review.

    Accessing your test results in MyChart

    Find out how to access your test results and medical reports.

    Awards and recognition

    • Accredited breast imaging center of excellence

    Decorative Caduceus

    Digital Tomosynthesis Mammography and Digital Mammography in Screening Patients for Breast Canc...

    The cumulative proportions of participants experiencing the primary endpoint in the two study arms will be compared. The primary comparison of the two study arms will be approached from an Intent-to-Treat perspective and will be b...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Contrast-Enhanced MRI for the Characterization of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

    Conspicuity of DCIS lesion, agreement of disease extent with biopsy, and overall image quality will be used to determine the overall image quality for each MRI.

    Recruiting

    Support services

    Support Group

    Art for Recovery

    Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.

    Fitness

    Cancer Exercise Counseling

    Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.

    Patient Resource

    Cancer Nutrition Counseling

    UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.

    Support Group

    Cancer Support Groups

    These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.

    Fitness

    Core & More Class for Cancer Patients

    A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!

    Patient Resource

    Friend to Friend Specialty Shops

    A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.

    Class

    Meditation & Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients

    Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.

    Patient Resource

    Oncology Social Work

    Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.

    Patient Resource

    Patient & Family Cancer Support Center

    The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.

    Support Group

    Peer Support Programs for Cancer

    Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."

    Patient Resource

    UCSF Patient Support Corps

    Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is stressful. Get guidance, support and answers to your questions here as you consider your options and make decisions.

    Special programs

    Screening mammograms

    Screening mammograms are the most reliable way to detect breast cancer early, when it's easiest to treat.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • List of your medications, including dosages
    • Written request form for the procedure, if your doctor gave you one
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

    Learn more

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

    Related clinics

    Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    See both of our San Francisco locations.

    Breast Care Center

    Berkeley Outpatient Center

    3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 280
    Berkeley, CA 94702

    Imaging Center at Montgomery Street

    1725 Montgomery St., Suite 250
    San Francisco, CA 94111

    Radiology at the Women's Health Center

    2356 Sutter St., Room J-146 and J-226
    San Francisco, CA 94115

    Psycho-Oncology

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St.
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Our research initiatives

    • Athena-Breast-Health-Network-2x

      Athena Breast Health Network

      The Athena Breast Health Network, a collaborative organization that includes UCSF, promotes data sharing to help all partners deliver more effective and personalized care to patients with breast cancer.

    • UCSF-Helen-Diller-Family-Comprehensive-Cancer-Center-Research-2x

      UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research

      UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.

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