Support and Excellent Care on Your Breast Cancer Journey
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be daunting and scary. You and your family can rely on our support through your cancer journey and take comfort that we're here with you every step of the way.
Your team includes specialists from many areas working together. We can treat all types of breast cancers at all stages, including:
- Estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer
- Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Metastatic breast cancer
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer starts when abnormal cells begin to grow out of control and crowd out normal cells in the breast. These cells form a tumor that can be seen on a mammogram or felt as a lump in your breast. Breast cancer occurs mostly in women but can also occur in men. Symptoms of breast cancer can include:
- Lumps
- Nipple discharge
- Skin changes
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider. Or make an appointment with our breast specialist by calling 866-GUTHRIE (866-488-4743).
Breast Cancer Screening
Mammography is the best and most accurate screening method for most women. We recommend women of average risk be screened annually beginning at age 40.
If you have a history of breast cancer in your family you may be at higher than average risk for developing breast cancer. Talk to your provider about your risk. More frequent and additional types of screening may be appropriate.
We offer a High Risk for Breast Cancer Clinic to help you understand your risk and decide the best screening methods and breast health plan for you.
Call 866-GUTHRIE (866-488-4743) to schedule a screening mammogram.
- Learn more about Mammography at Guthrie.
- Learn more about High Risk for Breast Cancer Clinic.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Many women have lumps that are benign (not cancer) in their breast. If an irregularity is found on a mammogram, you may need further imaging or a biopsy. Most biopsies can be done without surgery by a radiologist. Your evaluation may also include an appointment with a breast surgeon who will review results and help you develop a plan of care.
Diagnostic tests:
- 3D mammography
- Breast ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Breast MRI
- MRI-guided biopsy
- Biopsy
Breast Cancer Treatment
Your oncologist works with you on the best plan of care for your type of cancer and your health. Breast cancer treatment plans may include a combination of:
- Surgery to remove cancer by a breast surgical oncologist
- Chemotherapy or hormonal therapy performed by a medical oncologist
- Radiation performed by a radiation oncologist
- Breast reconstructive surgery performed by a plastic surgeon
Breast Cancer Care at Guthrie
Guthrie doctors specially trained in the care of breast cancer patients including breast radiologists, breast surgeons, plastic/reconstructive surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists.
We meet the rigorous standards of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons.
Women at higher risk for developing breast cancer can benefit from extra support evaluating and planning their breast health.
Doctors and providers from across specialties discuss every patient to organize the best plan of treatment for her or him across the system. Many patients are able to participate in the MDC when appropriate in their cancer journey. Patients meet with multiple specialists on the same day in the same location to discuss their coordinated care plan.
Cancer nurse navigators help you understand your diagnosis, support you through your cancer journey, and guide you through the health system. We have a navigator who is dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients.
Help you and your family with emotions and give support. They also help identify community resources that can be helpful.
Physical therapists help you maintain your strength and stability throughout treatment. After surgery, occupational therapists and physical therapist help you regain range of motion
If you are diagnosed with lymphedema, we have occupational and physical therapists who are certified in lymphedema treatment.
Guthrie Clinical Research offers you treatment options not available in most hospitals.
