Your Guide to the Latest Trends in Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Updated on Oct 20, 2025 | Featured, Your Health

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers among women, with 13 percent of women—approximately one in eight—receiving a diagnosis in their lifetime. Early detection and advanced technology are vital to improving survival rates and treatment success.

Mount Sinai offers mammography screening and excellent care at numerous locations in New York City and the surrounding suburbs. Click here for information about screening locations and making an appointment.

Here are three important ways that updates in breast cancer screening and technology have the potential to significantly improve early detection, according to the experts at the Center of Excellence for Breast Cancer at The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai.

Elisa Port, MD, FACS

New Mammogram Guidelines

In 2024, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that women begin regular mammograms at age 40, shifting from the previous guideline of age 50. Mount Sinai strongly supports this important change, as it can lead to earlier detection and a reduction in late-stage breast cancer cases.

“Starting mammograms at age 40 can facilitate earlier diagnoses, which are crucial for effective treatment,” says Elisa Port, MD, FACS, Chief of Breast Surgery for the Mount Sinai Health System and Director of the Dubin Breast Center. “An annual mammogram can mean the difference between catching a cancer early when it’s most treatable or missing it entirely. Mount Sinai Mammogram May® is about reminding women that they have the power to take control of their health. We urge women to schedule their screenings.”

Advances in AI for Mammography and Breast Ultrasound

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming mammography and breast ultrasound, significantly improving diagnostic capabilities. AI algorithms can analyze mammogram and breast ultrasound images with advanced precision, and have become a powerful tool in identifying potential abnormalities that traditional methods might overlook.

Laurie Margolies, MD, FACR FSBI

“Artificial intelligence is a phenomenal tool. It does not replace the expertise of our radiologists—it enhances it,” said Laurie Margolies, MD, FACR, FSBI, Vice Chair Breast Imaging, Mount Sinai Health System, and Chief of Breast Imaging at the Dubin Breast Center. “It gives us an added set of eyes, highlighting areas that deserve closer scrutiny. That means more accurate results and, ultimately, better outcomes for our patients.” Mount Sinai has performed more than 100,000 AI-assisted mammograms as of March 2025.

FDA Ruling on Breast Density

The FDA recently mandated that mammogram reports include uniform information about breast density. Dense breast tissue can obscure tumors on mammograms and is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

“This new requirement will provide women with essential information about their breast density, helping them make informed decisions about additional imaging if needed,” says Dr. Margolies. “We are committed to offering comprehensive care and using all available information to enhance screening accuracy at all of Mount Sinai’s breast health locations.”

Three Things Women Should Do

  • Schedule your mammogram: Follow the new guidelines to begin regular screenings at age 40.
  • Review breast density information: Understand your breast density from your mammogram report and discuss any additional screening needs with your health care provider.
  • Know your risk: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in U.S. women, behind only lung cancer. Click here to learn more about the causes of breast cancer and risk factors

Improving your chances of survival often begins with early detection. Mount Sinai encourages women to stay informed, be empowered, speak with their health care professional, and access the latest technologies and interventions as needed.

Get more information about scheduling a mammogram
Learn more about the Center of Excellence for Breast Cancer at Mount Sinai's Tisch Cancer Institute
Learn more about mobile mammography at Mount Sinai

A Physician Focused on Children and Multiple Sclerosis

Updated on Sep 29, 2025 | Featured

Rachel Zolno, MD, Assistant Professor, Neurology, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is bringing a new dimension to identifying and managing multiple sclerosis in youngsters, underscoring the benefits of a center that offers the latest treatments and a wide range of services in one place.

“Most people, even a lot of physicians, don’t realize that children can get MS,” says Dr. Zolno, who joined the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis in 2024. As many as 10 percent of the people living with MS in the United States have Pediatric-Onset MS (POMS).

“The addition of a pediatric MS/neuroimmunologist specialist serves to broaden our reach and allows us to serve a larger segment of the population,” says Center Director Fred D. Lublin, MD. “Importantly, this gives us an expanded window into the origins of MS, which appear to occur, at least in part, during childhood.”

Rachel Zolno, MD

While most people under age 18 who have POMS are in their late teens, Dr. Zolno has seen children as young as four years old. “It’s rare to find very young children with MS, which is why we want to exclude everything else before we make the diagnosis,” she says.

People in their 20s and 30s comprise the most prevalent age group for first diagnoses of MS. Confirmation three years ago of a strong connection between the Epstein-Barr virus or mononucleosis and MS is one indicator that ailments experienced at younger ages may be precursors to presenting MS.

“With relapsing-remitting MS, when someone looks back they may realize that when they were 14 or 16, they had a few weeks or a couple of months when their arm was really tingly, but they didn’t think much of it as the symptoms went away,” says Dr. Zolno. “MS is not on the radar of pediatricians. It’s not something they look for when a 16-year-old has vague neurologic symptoms.”

Early diagnosis is as important for children as for adults to determine if someone has MS and, if confirmed, to begin a treatment to prevent progression of the disease. Among children, the diagnosis sometimes can be more challenging as there are other diseases affecting the nervous system that may mimic MS and are more common in kids, such as Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease (MOGAD) and Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), other nervous system abnormalities. A physician will want to rule out those diseases before concluding an MS finding.

How MS evolves in youths and adults is different. MS in people under the age of 18 “tends be slightly more aggressive” because they “have strong immune systems,” says Dr. Zolno. But managing the disease can be easier among youths. “Children’s bodies are really resilient, so when they are in the relapsing-remitting stage, and not in the middle of a flare, they can recover a lot better because they are younger.”

After diagnosis, an MS pediatric neurologist may prescribe a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) to manage the disease. “MS is a lifelong disease process,” says Dr. Zolno. “We want to recognize the disease as early as we can so that we can start children on treatment as early as possible to prevent relapses from happening and prevent any sort of disability. They are going to be in treatment for the rest of their lives.”

The Food and Drug Administration has approved only one medication for POMS patients (fingolimod). However, depending on a physician’s assessment, other approved therapies that are used mainly for adult patients may be prescribed, such as B-cell medications like rituximab. “The POMS research community has determined that it is better to use higher efficacy medications earlier to prevent any accrual of disease in  pediatric patients,” she says.

Dr. Zolno joined the Center staff in September 2024. “I love the fact that with MS you get to stay with your patients for a long time,” she says. “Of course, I don’t stay with my patients forever, as they eventually will go to an adult doctor.”

Her interest in neurology and POMS began when she was as young as some of her patients. “I actually knew I wanted to be a pediatric neurologist since I was in high school,” she says. Meeting teenagers newly diagnosed with MS, along with having a pediatric MS neurologist as her mentor during residency, gave her further inspiration.

As recognition that MS can occur in children and teens has grown, interest in pediatric MS among aspiring neurologists has risen, says Dr. Zolno.

“There are not many of us treating POMS. It’s a growing field, but it can be hard to find an institution where you get the kind of support that a comprehensive MS care center can provide,” she says.

“The great thing about the Center is that even though I come from the pediatric neurology world, I am still part of the Center. My patients are able to see the Center’s social workers, psychologist, neuropsychologists and other specialists. It’s so important to have access to that multidisciplinary care, for pediatric patients as well.”

By Kenneth Bandler, a multiple sclerosis patient, advocate, and member of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis Advisory Board.

Learn more about Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Care at Mount Sinai

What You Should Know About Autism and Medications

Updated on Sep 29, 2025 | Featured, Seaver Autism Center

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability. People on the autism spectrum have varied abilities and support needs. Some may have advanced conversation skills and can live with minimal  support, whereas others may use few to no words and require 24/7 care.

Autism has been in the headlines recently. On Monday, September 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took two steps that drew widespread interest and prompted criticism from a number of medical and science organizations.

  • The agency alerted physicians that the use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in the pain reliever Tylenol and other generic medications, by pregnant women may be associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism. The FDA said clinicians should consider minimizing the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy for routine low-grade fevers, which is already the existing guidance.
  • The agency took steps to make it easier for clinicians to prescribe an older medication, leucovorin, or folinic acid (a naturally occurring form of vitamin B9), to treat children with autism.

The actions by the federal government prompted many to seek answers. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from experts at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: Joseph Buxbaum, PhD, Director of the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment; Joanne Stone, MD, Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science; Lisa Satlin, MD, Chair of Pediatrics; and Alex Kolevzon, MD, Chief, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

How common is autism?

The rate of autism in children increased over recent years and is now estimated to be 1 in 31, according to the latest monitoring data released in April by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey was conducted in 2022 across 16 sites in the United States, and cases were identified based on school and medical records. Autism occurs among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. It is three times more common among boys than among girls. Experts say a number of factors have contributed to a rising rate of autism, including expanded criteria for diagnosis, greater awareness, and improved screening and diagnostics.

What causes autism?

There are strong data indicating that genetics are the major cause of autism. However, not all genetic risk is inherited; some genetic changes leading to autism occur as spontaneous mutations in the egg or sperm, according to Mount Sinai’s Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment. Experts also believe some environmental factors may be involved.

What do you advise women about using acetaminophen during pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine continue to recommend acetaminophen as one of the safest options for treating pain and reducing fever during pregnancy when used as directed and emphasize that pregnant patients should always discuss any medication use with their clinicians. The FDA says acetaminophen is the safest over-the-counter alternative for pregnant women. It is also well documented that an untreated high fever in a pregnant woman increases the risk of birth defects and premature birth, and there is some suggestive evidence that fever in a pregnant woman may also be associated with an increased risk for autism in the child.

Did a recent Mount Sinai study demonstrate a connection between acetaminophen and autism?

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, together with national collaborators, published a systematic review in BMC Environmental Health examining the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. The research applied a rigorous framework for evaluating environmental health data and analyzed 46 studies involving more than 100,000 participants worldwide. The study found an association, but not a causal link, between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. As the authors note, these do not prove that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes these conditions. In fact, several large studies, including one that came out after the BMC Environmental Health study, indicate that acetaminophen does not cause these conditions and that there is likely a shared relationship between the reason acetaminophen is taken and the risk for behavioral outcomes in the child (for example, fever). Careful clinicians and researchers will continue research to optimize management of pain and fever during pregnancy using current or future medications but results to date do not demonstrate a causal relationship.

Can you explain the difference between association and causality?

Association is when two things happen at the same time, but one doesn’t necessarily cause the other. In a very simple example, more people eat ice cream in the summer, and more people get sunburns in the summer, but that doesn’t prove ice cream causes sunburns. There is an independent cause for both more sunburns and more ice cream in the summer: both are due to the warmer weather. In the case of autism, here is an example cited by the Autism Science Foundation: Women take acetaminophen when they are pregnant to reduce fever. Fever during pregnancy is a known autism risk factor. But this question remains unanswered: Could an increase in autism be due to the fever or the acetaminophen? At least one study showed that fever during pregnancy indeed increased risk for autism and that risk was significantly reduced when the mother took acetaminophen.

What are the treatments for autism?

The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment says treatments include intensive behavioral and educational therapies and possibly medications. Many children benefit from a multidisciplinary team that may include board certified behavior analysts, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. It’s important to recognize that autism is a spectrum, and not all individuals or families view support through the lens of “treatment.” For many, the focus is on providing tools and accommodations that help autistic people thrive, while also celebrating their unique strengths and differences.

What do we know about leucovorin, which has recently been suggested as a treatment for autism?

The data suggesting that leucovorin may improve some symptoms of autism come from five small clinical trials. The Autism Science Foundation says a higher standard of science would be needed to determine if leucovorin is an effective and safe treatment for autism. The Foundation says the science is still in very early stages, and more studies are necessary before a definitive conclusion can be reached. As with all research in this field, experts emphasize that interventions should be considered in the context of each individual’s needs, and that supporting quality of life and respecting neurodiversity remain central priorities.

What about other research into autism?

Autism research is being conducted across many areas, including genetics, neurobiology, behavioral interventions, and targeted medications. One promising area of research seeks to identify autism genes in order to develop new medications, according to the Seaver Center. Some of the most exciting advances in autism are tests of new treatments tailored to the genetics of the patient.

What should I do if I think my child may have autism?

First, have a conversation with your child’s pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism at their 18-month and 24-month well-child checkups. If there are concerns, your pediatrician should refer you to a specialist for a more extensive evaluation. The Seaver Autism Center is one important resource for our families.

Learn more about the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai Queens Performs Its First-Ever Iliac-Branch Endovascular Aortic Repair Using Fixed Imaging

Sep 23, 2025 | Featured

Patient Najib Saoui with Christopher Smolock, MD, left, and John Phair, MD

Mount Sinai Queens has achieved a milestone in surgical innovation with the successful completion of its first iliac-branch endovascular aortic repair (IBE)—a complex, minimally invasive procedure to treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm and iliac artery aneurysm—performed for the first time using fixed imaging in the hospital’s newly equipped operating room.

The groundbreaking procedure was successfully completed by vascular surgeons Christopher Smolock, MD, and John Phair, MD, and marks a significant advancement in the hospital’s ability to offer comprehensive vascular interventions that previously required transferring patients to Manhattan campuses.

Najib Saoui’s aneurysm was discovered incidentally during a CT scan, It had no symptoms and was monitored closely for several years. When the aneurysm reached a size that required intervention, the care team at Mount Sinai Queens was able to offer a state-of-the-art solution close to home.

In the procedure, aneurysms are treated by re-lining them with a covered stent, inserted through a small catheter in both groin arteries. This minimally invasive approach prevents the arteries from continuing to enlarge while preserving blood flow through the major artery branches to the abdomen and pelvis.

“This was a more technically complex repair,” Dr. Smolock says, “but with the advanced capabilities of our fixed imaging suite, we were able to perform the entire procedure on Mr. Saoui through a minimally invasive approach by accessing the artery from inside while preserving critical arterial branches to the pelvis.”

The two-hour procedure was a success, and Mr. Saoui was discharged the next day with no postoperative restrictions, able to resume normal activities without any limitations. This is a stark contrast to traditional open aortic surgery, which often involves a lengthy hospital stay and recovery period.

“This is a perfect example of how we’re expanding access to advanced surgical care in Queens, which has tripled over the past two years” Dr. Phair says. “Patients don’t need to travel to Manhattan to get the same high-quality, leading-edge treatment.”

All aortic aneurysms—whether treated or untreated—require lifelong monitoring. The patient will be followed with routine CT scans and ultrasounds, beginning one month after surgery and then annually, to ensure the repair remains functional. In some cases, additional maintenance procedures may be needed down the road, but those too are minimally invasive with virtually no downtime.

This case exemplifies Mount Sinai Queens’ ongoing commitment to bringing world-class surgical expertise and technology to the local community, the physicians said, enabling patients to receive exceptional, personalized care without leaving their borough.

 

Here’s What You Need to Know About the New COVID-19 Vaccines

Updated on Sep 23, 2025 | Featured

As new variants of COVID-19 emerge, COVID-19 vaccines are updated to remain effective. This year’s formulations were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with narrower eligibility, and an advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new recommendations for who should receive them.

However, while the federal guidance is different from last year, the advice from medical professionals hasn’t changed, says Bernard Camins, MD, MSc, Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “It’s a good idea for everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine, because data shows it prevents severe disease and still saves lives.”

In New York State, and many other states across the nation, the state government and public health agencies have taken steps to ensure anyone who wishes to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to do so.

If you’re thinking of getting a COVID-19 shot, Dr. Camins explains what you should know about them.

Bernard Camins, MD, MSc, Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

What are the new COVID vaccines and their label restrictions?

Vaccines are available from the manufacturers Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax. These have been tested in clinical trials to be safe and effective, as with previous versions, says Dr. Camins.

Here are the details of each approved vaccine.

  • Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty: It is available to adults 65 years and older, and to people ages 5 through 64 with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes with COVID-19.
  • Moderna’s Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE: Spikevax is approved for those 65 years and older, and for people six months through 64 years old with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes. The new mNEXSPIKE vaccine is approved for those 65 years and older, and for people ages 12 through 64 with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk.
  • Novavax’s Nuvaxovid: It is approved for those 65 years and older, and to people ages 12 through 64 years old with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk.
What qualifies as an underlying condition?

As of February 2025, the list includes things like cancer; chronic diseases of the lung, kidney, and liver; heart conditions; immunocompromised conditions; obesity; pregnancy, and others. The full list can be found here.

Does this mean I can’t get the new vaccines if I’m under 65 and don’t have an underlying condition?

Not quite, says Dr. Camins. The new FDA labels for the vaccines do mean that if you are under 65 years old, and don’t have an underlying condition that puts you at risk of severe COVID-19, getting the vaccines would be considered an “off-label” use, he notes.

This mostly has implications on getting your vaccine at a pharmacy, because some states have restrictions on pharmacists being able to prescribe vaccines off-label, and some restrict pharmacists from giving off-label vaccines even when prescribed by a doctor. Your physician and primary care provider, however, would still be able to prescribe and provide off-label vaccinations in clinics, Dr. Camins points out.

In response, New York and several states enacted actions through executive and agency orders to ensure people would still be able receive COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies. The new federal guidance does imply that people will be able to access COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies, regardless of label language.

What are the new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines?

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to leave COVID-19 vaccination to an individual’s choice, rather than recommend vaccination for various populations. This deviates from the previous ACIP guidance of recommending that adults 18 and older get the vaccine, and people 6 months to 17 years old decide through discussions with a health care provider.

Several medical associations, however, have given their own guidance on COVID-19 vaccination for various demographics. These include:

  • Infectious Diseases Society of America: All people six months of age and older should receive the updated vaccine. It’s even more important for people who are 65 years and older, or have high risk for developing severe COVID-19.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Recommends that patients receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine or “booster” at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics: Recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all infants, children, and adolescents six months of age and older who do not have contraindications to receiving the vaccine.

“Medical professionals are all saying the same thing: if you’re able to receive the vaccine, you should be getting it,” says Dr. Camins. “While no vaccine is a 100 percent guarantee in preventing you from contracting COVID-19, if you do get it, data has shown that the vaccines reduce the disease severity—including avoiding the need to visit an urgent care center or emergency room—prevent hospitalization, and improve recovery, even if you’re in the high-risk category.”

Will insurance still cover COVID-19 vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccines were provided at no cost sharing previously, as it had been an ACIP-recommended immunization.

With the new ACIP recommendations, people on public insurance, such as Medicaid, or on an insurance plan that relies on ACIP recommendations to dictate coverage, should continue to receive COVID-19 shots without cost sharing, as brought up in the ACIP meeting.

“However, this is uncharted territory,” says Dr. Camins. “Do check in with your insurance provider to see if your copay would remain the same as before.”

On September 16, AHIP, a trade group representing many large health insurance companies, said in a statement that its members would offer COVID-19 vaccines with no cost sharing through the end of 2026, using the pre-September ACIP recommendations. And New York’s Department of Financial Services has issued a memo to insurance companies to remind them about relevant state laws regulating member coverage. Broadly, the letter highlights:

  • If ACIP has recommended an immunization, insurers must cover at no cost.
  • If a policy provides COVID-19 coverage, it must maintain coverage throughout the contract year, even if ACIP recommendations change in the interim.
  • For those under 19 years old, New York State requires COVID-19 vaccines to be covered at no charge, regardless of ACIP recommendations.
What’s the current COVID-19 situation like?

“As we go into the fall months, the number of cases will go up, as expected,” says Dr. Camins.

“COVID-19 is here to stay, and SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve,” says Dr. Camins, “but as long we remain protected and have good antiviral treatments available, the situation is under control and of low concern.”

“I Am a Mount Sinai Nurse”

Updated on Sep 19, 2025 | Featured, Nursing

What is a Mount Sinai nurse? A Mount Sinai nurse is so many things: a team player, dedicated caregiver, critical thinker, continuous learner, mentor, patient advocate. And so much more.  At Mount Sinai, we believe that a Mount Sinai nurse is the nurse all other nurses aspire to be. Together and individually, they create excellence every day. Read what our patients are saying about our nurses and listen to how some of them describe what makes them a Mount Sinai nurse.

Rivkah Eisner, RN

“From the onset of labor all the way through to bringing us to the post-partum floor, Rivka worked with dedication, wisdom, and high energy to ensure a healthy and positive experience. Rivka exuded an attitude of collaboration and accommodation. She made us all feel that we were a team, and she was there to assist in every way. She was kind, focused, respectful, and full of helpful energy.” Click here to watch the video.

Will Novini, BSN, RN

“My CSICU/ CVIVU (Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit) center nurse Will Novini was a godsend. He got me through the two most difficult days after my surgery. I can’t say enough about how good he was.” Click here to watch the video.

Beth Lungaro, BSN, RN

“Nurse Beth Lungaro in the ER was truly outstanding. After 11 hours there, she would still show a beautiful smile, warm manners, and incredible efficiency. We could not have asked for a better nurse.”

Grace Tesoriero, NP

“I came in experiencing a great deal of pain and was angry at everyone I encountered because I just couldn’t manage it anymore. But Grace treated me as if she could feel exactly what I was going through. Her presence was calming, and just being with her made me feel better. I was truly blessed to have seen her that day.”

Uzoma Nwaekpe, RN

“One night, at 4 am I mentioned to Umoza that I was looking forward to having a conversation not about medical stuff. He stayed for 10 minutes, recited Shakespeare beautifully, and we discussed poetry. Are you kidding me? There is more intelligence, creativity, and perseverance in this group of nurses.”  

Tristen Castillo, BSN, RN and Shirley Liu, RN

“As a husband on behalf of his wife, I want to give special recognition to Tristen Castillo and Shirley Liu, whose compassionate attention and calming presence made a difficult situation much easier to bear. Nurse Castillo was thorough, kind, attentive. Nurse Liu brought a warmth and gentleness that immediately put us at ease.”

John Schwartz, RN

“John Schwartz is an outstanding professional RN. He emphasized that any unusual symptoms are important to bring to the attention of nurses.”

Read more “I Am a Mount Sinai Nurse” patient testimonials and watch videos featuring our nurses

Pin It on Pinterest