Women's Specialty Care Introduces the Halo Breast Pap Test

Dec. 31, 2008 - PRLog -- It's called HALO. It's fast, simple and can be performed right here in our office:

   * The test is completely non-invasive
   * It takes only five minutes
   * It detects risk on the cellular level, before lumps even begin to form

What to expect during your HALO

Since breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 20-59, a convenient, simple, early detection method is truly a life-saving innovation. HALO is just that - it's designed to be simple, and you can schedule it as part of any regular visit to our office.

During the test, cups are placed over the breast. Warmth, compression and a gentle vacuum will be applied to collect nipple aspirate fluid, or NAF. Almost half the women tested are expected to produce this fluid, which is then sent to a lab - the same one that examines your cervical Pap test. There, technicians search for abnormalities that may be potentially cancerous. It all happens with minimum discomfort and takes about five minutes.

How HALO Works

Experts have looked to NAF as an indicator of overall breast health for several decades. Only now is the technology available to use NAF as a predictor for a propensity for breast cancer.

Most breast cancers begin in milk ducts, where they progress through stages of development much like cervical cancer. Clinicians examine the NAF extracted during HALO for something called "atypia" - the earliest identifiable stage of breast cancer. Atypia is evident on the cellular level, before lumps begin to form. This is why HALO detects potential cancers well in advance of a traditional mammogram.

Schedule your HALO now

HALO is FDA approved and has been tested safely on more than 1,000 women in rigorous clinical trials. This is the most advanced breast cancer screening technology available today, and Women's Specialty Care is proud to provide it to you. If you are between the ages of 25 and 55, we recommend you schedule your HALO right away. Think of it as scheduling ultimate peace of mind.

For more information, visit http://www.womensspecialtycare.com

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Women's Specialty Care is a practice of caring, dedicated health professionals who are committed to a proactive approach to women's health - for individuals of all ages. With our patient-centric philosophy, you'll find we put your concerns first. After all, good medicine begins with good listening.

We've put together a team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and technicians who are at the top of their fields. Pair this with our leading-edge technology and dedication to patient peace of mind, and you'll find our practice is a unique convergence of heart and state-of-the-art. To view the Women's Specialty Care TV Spot, please click here: