HALO is a five-minute noninvasive test that can help determine your risk of breast cancer years earlier than a mammogram. Simply put, it’s the quickest, easiest way to give your doctor a heads-up, and you a head start. How does the HALO Breast Pap Test Work? HALO combines warmth, massage and suction to bring nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) to the surface. NAF is found in the milk ducts where 95% of all breast cancers originate. The entire cycle is five minutes and is easily incorporated into your well-woman visit. If you produce fluid, the sample is then sent to the lab and analyzed for cellular changes. Like the Cervical Pap test, HALO is not a diagnostic test and it cannot be used to exclude breast cancer. Patients should continue to undergo other clinical breast screening procedures (mammography, clinical breast examination, self breast examination) as determined by and with their physicians. Frequently Asked Questions Who should have HALO and how often? This is an annual test for all non-lactating women 25 and over. Women over 55 tend to decrease their production of NAF and mammograms become more effective at this stage. Women over 55 who produce NAF should continue to have annual HALO tests. What about family history? Those who have a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer are approximately 2 times more likely to develop the disease. Those who have atypia are 4 to 5 times more likely to develop breast cancer. Screening for atypia with HALO will help you and your doctor identify cellular changes, closely monitor them and develop an optimal care path. How long does it take to get results? Typically it takes three to five days. Your doctor’s office will notify you of the results. Is HALO FDA approved? Yes, HALO is FDA approved. Case Studies Atypia Finding leads to early cancer detection Atypia Finding Prompts Follow up That Identifies Lesion HALO Atypia Prompts Woman to Enter Program for High-Risk Patients HALO Atypia Causes Enhanced Surveillance, Leading to Early Detection Helpful Links Young Survivor Coalition National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. Take Care of Your Health and Liv American Cancer Society Susan G. Komen for the Cure HALO Pap Test for the Breast knowyourbreastcancerrisk.com earlyactawareness.org