When faced with a surgical breast disease, there are no shortages of questions. Getting real answers helps to ease the mind and relieve stress. We expect you to have a lot of questions and you should expect to have them answered. Here are some frequently asked questions.
I have a family history of breast cancer and I just found a lump on my breast. What should I do?
Anyone may develop breast cancer; therefore, frequent self breast exams and annual mammograms are important tools to help detect breast cancer early. When you notice changes in your breasts, such as a new lump, you should first talk to your primary care provider, who will likely order breast imaging studies for evaluation. If the lesion looks suspicious, it will be biopsied. Although most breast lumps are benign, having a family history of breast cancer puts you at an increased risk of developing the disease in your lifetime. The definitive treatment for breast cancer is surgery. If you have a diagnosis of breast cancer, you will need to consult with a breast surgeon who will discuss further treatment options with you.
What is a breast surgical oncologist?
“A breast surgeon has a strong commitment to the evaluation and care of patients with diseases of the breast and breast cancer. Many surgeons have expertise in breast cancer care, both with and without fellowship training. Many of the pioneers in the field of breast surgery began practicing breast surgery prior to the time that breast fellowships were available. There are innumerable surgeons who have years of surgical experience and have made a great commitment to taking care of patients with breast disease and malignancy.” OSW surgeons have made this commitment and provide the highest quality of breast surgical care in our region. Visit the American Society of Breast Surgeons for more information.
If I want to find information about breast disease on the internet, where should I go?
Breast surgical oncologists recommend breast360.org, which offers reliable and evidence-based resources provided by the American Society of Breast Surgeons. The information is written by expert breast surgeons and providers who are passionate about caring for breast patients. At OSW, we promise to provided you with answers to all of your questions and will direct you to resources suited to your needs.
Am I at risk for lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition that causes lymphatic channels to become dilated and congested, leading to swelling and discomfort and occasionally redness of the breasts and/or arms as a result of lymphatic/lymph node surgery or radiation treatment. Mild lymphedema of the breast and/or upper extremities is relatively common after breast cancer treatment. OSW routinely uses cutting edge techniques to help reduce the risk of moderate to severe lymphedema. Lymphedema specialists and physical therapists work closely with our team and we will provide referrals and recommendations when needed.
What role do medical oncologists and radiation oncologists play in my breast cancer treatment?
Breast cancer treatment involves multimodality treatment. Patients are often cared for by many providers and receive multiple kinds of treatment. Nonsurgical cancer doctors (medical and radiation oncologists) provide treatment recommendations for chemotherapy, targeted immunotherapy and radiation therapy for your specific cancer.
What are the goals of naturopathic support before, during and after my treatment?
- Decrease side-effects of conventional treatment.
- Address organ damage induced by conventional treatments (i.e., liver, kidney, nerve, etc.)
- Address nutritional deficiencies known to be induced by the conventional treatment.
- Address any concurrent health conditions and medications being taken.
- Maintain muscle mass and hydration.
- Boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation or other treatment.
- Support detoxification and healing after conventional treatment had ended.
- Provide a clear survivorship plan to continue to improve your overall health.
Do I need a patient navigator?
If you have a new diagnosis of breast cancer you will need a navigator. Research shows that patient navigation improves outcomes. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be stressful. Our patient navigators are knowledgeable about all aspects of breast cancer care and are ready to care, connect and help optimize your chances for a cure. They will help you maneuver every step of the way by coordinating your care to make your journey as smooth as possible.
What is oncoplastic breast surgery?
Our breast surgeons use this specialized hybrid technique to achieve both optimal oncologic and aesthetic results while removing your breast cancer. We have technical expertise with special training in oncoplastic breast surgery. Oregon Surgical Wellness is the only Hidden Scar Breast Surgery Center between Seattle and Sacramento. Additionally, we are members of the Society of Oncoplastic Surgery This organization is dedicated to perfecting oncoplastic techniques.
What is a tumor board? How do patients benefit from a tumor board?
Breast cancer treatment involves multiple disciplines in surgery and medicine to coordinate and provide comprehensive treatment. A breast tumor board is a “meeting of the minds” that takes place 3-4 times per month for all specialists to discuss state-of-the-art treatment recommendations for your specific situation.
Am I a candidate for the BCCP program?
There are many resources available in our community to help you through your breast cancer treatment. The Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), Komen Treatment Access Program and Oregon Cancer Foundation are available to help. If you are uninsured or have low income, we will help you get the resource you need. Watch this video of one of our breast cancer survivors who benefited from the BCCP and OCF programs.
What is Oregon Cancer Alliance?
Oregon Cancer Alliance (OCA) is a network of specialty clinics in Lane County that work together to provide coordinated care, making it easier for oncology patients to navigate cancer treatment. OSW is a proud member of the OCA and believes strongly in high-quality surgical care. The quality of cancer care is benchmarked by the OCA and other national surgical and medical outcome registries. As a result, our cancer patients receive state-of-the-art, coordinated and comprehensive treatment, right here at home. We also provide a pathway for cancer patients coming from out of town and we invite patients who live in other places of Oregon to consider choosing the OCA for coordinated, professional and exceptional care and treatment. Watch this video to learn more about OCA and then contact us.
How quickly do I need to have surgery?
Our breast surgical wellness team provides all breast cancer patients with timely and expedited surgical treatment. We will connect with you within 72 hours of your diagnosis. Our goal is to perform your surgical treatment within 1 month of your diagnosis, unless you are recommended to have chemotherapy prior to surgery. Our registered nurse patient navigators will coordinate all aspects of your treatment.
What are my chances of surviving breast cancer?
Prognosis depends on tumor size, lymph node involvement and whether cancer has metastasized to other areas of your body. With early diagnosis and treatment, our goal is give our patients the best chance of survival. Your breast surgeon and oncologists will discuss your prognosis with you.
Do you recommend removing both breasts as a preventative measure if I have a family history of breast cancer?
Many patients decide to have both breasts removed. There is no evidence that contralateral prophylactic mastectomy will increase survival. Patients who choose a lumpectomy have the same survival rate, compared to those who choose to have a mastectomy. Recent studies suggest that the recurrence rate of contralateral breast cancer is 3% over 5 years and 6% over 10 years following a breast cancer diagnosis. The American Society of Breast Surgeons does not endorse contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, except for patients with a genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast cancer.
Do you recommend annual mammograms for all age groups or only if I am over the age of 40?
Women who are 40 years old should talk with their primary care provider about screening mammography. Once a woman turns 45, it is recommended that she has a mammogram every year. Patients with a strong family history or a confirmed genetic predisposition for breast cancer should start screening at a younger age.
I have been diagnosed with a fibroadenoma. What is that?
Fibroadenoma is a benign tumor that is commonly found in women. We encourage you to discuss the indication for removal of these tumors with your breast surgeon. Our breast surgeons provide comprehensive breast care for all breast conditions, disease and cancer. We will guide you through the workup and treatment for any breast condition.
How can I prepare for my recovery?
It is important to prepare for your recovery after surgery. Click here to learn more.
As always we welcome any of your questions here at Oregon Surgical Wellness. If you have other questions visit us and we will get them answered!
