Halo

• 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
• 7 of 8 breast cancer patients have no direct family relative afflicted with the disease
• 70% of women who develop breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors other than age

…and younger women face unique issues:

• Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for American women ages 35 to 50.
• Younger women with breast cancer have worse outcomes and more advanced disease than older women.
• Breast cancer diagnosis within two years of childbirth has nearly 50% mortality.

How many of these breast cancer risk factors do you have?

1. Over age sixty-five. Half of all women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are over age sixty-five.
2. Onset of your periods before age 12 or menopause onset after 55.
3. Eating foods high in saturated fat
4. Older age at birth of first child or never having given birth
5. A family history of breast cancer or benign breast disease, particularly a mother or sister
6. Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest
7. Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram
8. Taking estrogen and progesterone hormones
9. Obesity
10. Moderate alcoholic intake – more than 2 drinks per day
11. Gene changes – including BRCA1, BRCA2, and others

The NeoMatrix HALO™ Breast Cancer Test is the only fully automated, noninvasive NAF collection system designed for use in the primary care office. Its three main components include:

• HALO Console
• Patient Interface Cassette with fluid reservoir and adjustable breast cups
• Disposable Sample Collection Cups

The HALO™ Breast Cancer Test incorporates a simple 5-step cycle.The HALO Breast Cancer Test allows a physician’s office staff to perform noninvasive NAF collection in about five minutes. The system incorporates heat, suction and compression in a single, fully automated cycle.

With the HALO™ Breast Cancer Test, adjustable cups are fitted to the woman’s breasts. The test cycle is then started and the system automatically warms the breasts, gently massages them, and applies light suction to bring nipple aspirate fluid to the surface of the nipple. The nipple aspirate fluid is then collected, placed into a standard liquid cytology vial, and sent to a cytology laboratory for analysis. The entire procedure is well-tolerated by patients, with no anesthetic required.

Step 1: Inserting Disposable Sample Collection Cups

New Disposable Sample Collection Cups are inserted into the Adjustable Breast Cups for each patient.

Step 2: Preparing the Breasts

An alcohol swab is used to cleanse the nipples and soften the small keratin plugs located at the opening of the milk ducts. The Adjustable Breast Cups are adjusted to fit the patient’s breast size and are placed on the breasts.

Step 3: Suction and Heating and Compression Cycles

The HALO console initiates gentle suction (similar to that of a breast pump) on both breasts. Simultaneously with suction, warmth is applied and then a massage is initiated.

Step 4: Fluid Samples Obtained

Once the cycle is completed, Breast Cups are removed from the patient and any NAF sample is collected with a swab (included), placed into a liquid cytology vial, and sent to a cytology lab for examination.

*NOTE: Not all women will produce a NAF sample. Lack of NAF in the ducts has clinical significance, as absence of fluid production indicates reduced relative risk for breast disease. (Wrensch et al, JNCI, 2001) 

Step 5: Removal and Disposal of Disposable Sample Collection Cups

Disposable Sample Collection Cups are removed and disposed of at the end of eachHALO™ Breast Cancer Test.
RESULTS: Green and Urribarri will go over your results. If treatment is needed, our all female team has the best contemporay medical advise and support for our patients.