New Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Device

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- There is now a new screening test to asses a woman's individual risk for developing breast cancer. It is called the "Halo." Similar to a pap smear, the Halo is being called "the pap test for the breast."

For Tina Griffin, breast cancer has always been a concern of hers. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 38, which is only one year older than Griffin is right now.

"I started having mammograms at 35. It is always something that's in the back of my mind. When my mom was diagnosed they said he had it already for about eight years," said Griffin, a Halo test patient.

"The problem with a mammogram is usually something that has been in the breast eight to 10 years before it is actually seen on a mamogram. So the whole goal of this is that we can pick something up early," said Dr. Gregory Klis, and OB/GYN for San Dimas Medical Group.

The test only takes five minutes and is described as feeling similar to using a breast pump. A suction cup is attached to the patient's breast. Then using a heat massage the device tries to draw out secretions. If there are secretions, a sample is then sent to a lab to detect if there are normal cells or atypical cells.

"The whole goal of the test is if there are atypical cells present you can monitor the patient more closely, with the goal of detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage," said Klis.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and 70 percent of women have no identifiable risk factors. Statistics also show eight in nine women have no family history. But for Griffen, who does have a family history, said she is not willing to take any chances.

"I'm going to have it done once a year just like a mamogram. Anything that can detect breast cancer in its earliest form is a wonderful thing," said Griffen.

San Dimas Medical Group, which is located next to Southwest Mercy Hospital, is the only place in Kern County offering the test right now. The test takes about five minutes and will cost you approximately $100.