The Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is uniquely committed to the breast health and treatment of women throughout Oakland and Alameda County. We offer women a holistic health experience, as we aim to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in the Bay Area, where one out of eight women is diagnosed with the disease.
As you walk through our doors, you’ll find yourself in a beautiful, spa-like, meditative space created for your well-being. You’ll quickly realize that you’re in the healing hands of experienced professionals who are dedicated to your care. Every person on our staff specializes in breast health and works closely with you to provide the tools to make informed decisions about your health.
Because of this focus, we’ve received recognition for our exemplary care: The American College of Radiology has designated the center as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. We are also accredited by the National Accredited Program for Breast Centers.
We focus on prevention and early detection. Our genetic counselors can help you assess your risk for breast cancer and take steps to lower it. Our imaging experts specialize in early detection. Our comprehensive center offers you clinical services and the latest diagnostic technology, as well as expedited appointments and results.
Staying on top of your screening mammograms is key to preventing advanced breast cancer. That’s why the breast health specialists at our center use the most advanced technology—3D mammography, MRIs and ultrasound—to find and diagnose abnormalities long before you or your doctor would notice them. Our total breast care system ensures that you receive timely reminders for your annual mammogram fast and accurate test results, and expedited evaluation of any breast abnormality. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, our imaging experts work with your team to provide state-of-the-art treatment to remove or contain the cancer.
At the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, you receive the care you need from a team that annually screens more than 35,000 women.
Digital Mammography and 3D Tomosynthesis
Sutter Health uses digital mammography, which provides incredibly accurate images with lower doses of radiation. Digital mammography can be processed within seconds, stored for year-to-year comparisons and shared easily with all your doctors. It’s especially helpful for viewing dense breast tissue and hard to access areas.
We also offer 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) capabilities that take multiple images of the breast, allowing the radiologist to see layers of tissue from various angles.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI allows a radiologist to determine the extent of breast cancer after diagnosis. It can also be used as an early detection tool in women with known genetic risk factors. An MRI uses radiofrequency waves along with a substance called gadolinium, which is injected into the bloodstream, to highlight lesions in the breast.
Genetic Counseling and Testing
Depending on your family history of breast or other cancers, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling or genetic testing to look for genetic mutations that increase your risk of breast cancer. A specially trained genetic counselor at Sutter can review your family health history and determine whether you have a high risk of having BRCA-1, BRCA-2 or other gene mutations. If you do, you can choose to have genetic testing performed at the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center; it only requires a simple blood sample.
In addition, specialists at Sutter can walk you through your options and next steps.
Besides our main location, the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center also has two satellite locations:
Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center
3100 Summit Street
Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: (510) 869-8377
Imaging and Mammography Center
5730 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: (510) 204-1880
Women's Health Center in Lafayette
3595 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 350
Lafayette, CA 94549
Phone: (925) 962-9129
