Breast Cancer

Compassionate, comprehensive breast cancer treatment underscores the UM Capital Region Health cancer care team's commitment to meeting the unique needs of patients and families.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Sometimes, breast cancer is diagnosed after symptoms appear, but many women have no symptoms, which is why getting a screening mammogram is important.

Warning signs of breast cancer — a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control — can include:

• New lump in the breast or armpit
• Swelling of all or part of a breast
• Dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or on the breast
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood)
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast

If you notice any concerning symptoms, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor can refer you to our breast cancer specialists at the Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health.

Breast Cancer Team

Our skilled breast cancer care team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and breast health specialists provide screening and treatment for breast cancer, as well as support and care services designed to help patients navigate their care.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Our specialists have broad expertise in breast cancer screening. They use the latest, most reliable imaging tools and other tests, including:

• Mammogram (the most common screening test for breast cancer)
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Breast biopsy

Our team will explain to you the advantages and disadvantages of your testing options and ensure that the testing process is safe.

Breast Cancer Treatment

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, our team of specialists will collaborate to immediately determine the best course of treatment. Your options will depend on several factors but mainly the type of breast cancer you have and if it has spread.

We offer comprehensive breast cancer treatments, including:

• Breast cancer surgery - we offer advanced techniques such as oncoplasty, hidden scar surgeries and flat aesthetic closure mastectomies. These techniques are used to make sure that cancer is completely removed, with better cosmetic outcomes and faster return to full function
• Surgeries that avoid or minimize lymph node removal, resulting in smaller risk for arm lymphedema
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy - done to reduce levels or block the action of female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone, in a woman's body, helping to slow the growth of the cancer
• Breast reconstruction surgery - done to rebuild the shape and look of one or both breasts following breast cancer surgery
• Radiation therapy - use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing

Our breast cancer care team will work together with you to decide on a treatment plan that's best for you. You may need more than one treatment.

Contact Us

To learn more about breast cancer services available at the Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health, schedule an appointment or make a referral, call us at 240-677-8300.