Breast cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer

In its earliest stages, breast cancer may not have any signs or symptoms. However, as it grows, it can cause visual changes, such as:

• Blood or unknown nipple discharge
• Breast or underarm lumps
• Flaky, red or swollen breast skin
• Nipples that suddenly turns inward
• Pain in the breast or nipple
• Puckering of the skin

Types of breast cancer

Cancer begins with normal cells in the body, which grow, divide and form new cells. When cells become old or damaged, they die. However, with cancer, they multiply too quickly, and old or damaged cells do not die. The excess cells that do not die form an abnormal mass in the breast. The two sites for breast cancer development are either in the ducts or in the milk-producing lobules.

Breast cancer can be either noninvasive or invasive. Invasive breast cancer occurs when the cancer cells break away from the original tumor. These cells can enter blood or lymph vessels and travel to other parts of the body. They can attach to tissue elsewhere and form new tumors. Noninvasive breast cancer means the disease is confined to the area where it began.

Breast imaging and diagnostics

Our imaging center is available for outpatient diagnostic medical imaging, which includes specially designed pads for a more comfortable mammogram screening experience. Some of the services we provide include:

• 3D mammography
• Advanced biopsy techniques
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Breast ultrasound
• Digital mammography

Mammogram screenings

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in this country. Though it is rare, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer as well, accounting for approximately one percent of breast cancer cases in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mammograms remain the best way to detect breast cancer before it progresses. Early detection is key because breast cancer is most easily treated if it's caught early.

Today's imaging technology can find a tumor up to three years before it can be felt manually. The American Cancer Society recommends you keep the following schedules for mammograms and clinical breast exams:

• At 20 years old, begin having your breasts examined by a medical professional at least every three years.
• At 40 years old, begin having a screening mammogram and a clinical breast exam every year.

For your convenience, you can now schedule a screening mammogram online.

Breast cancer treatment options

We are proud to have received accreditation from the National Accreditation for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This honor recognizes our breast cancer program's commitment to exceeding national standards in multidisciplinary breast cancer care. Our hospital is the first in Eastern Ventura county to receive this designation.

Our treatment options fall into three categories. These include:

• Medical oncology — Medical oncology focuses on using nonsurgical methods for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
• Radiation oncology — With radiation oncology, we use quality team approach and the latest in brain stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Surgery — Depending on your type and stage of cancer, we use complex microsurgery to remove tumors, and also perform breast reconstruction after your cancer has been removed.

Breast cancer support and community outreach

We provide you with valuable resources to promote breast cancer awareness and advance your education on the topic. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations in our community to provide lectures, outreach and breast cancer support.

Cancer Support Community

The Cancer Support Community is dedicated to providing support, education and hope to those affected by cancer. As part of their services, they offer a variety of resources, including support groups, counseling, education and healthy lifestyle programs such as meditation and yoga.

Look Good Feel Better program

The American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program is designed to help you build confidence and feel good in your body after breast cancer treatment. This program uses techniques that help manage the side effects that chemotherapy and radiation can have on the skin.

If you or a loved one has lymphedema, join us on the last Wednesday of every month, excluding December, for our monthly support group. To make a reservation, call (805) 370-4001.

Pink Ribbon Partners

We offer support through our Pink Ribbon Partner volunteers. To be a Pink Ribbon Partner volunteer, you must be a breast cancer survivor who has gone through the hospital’s orientation program, as well as a special training with our breast center nurse navigator.

After your training is complete, you're ready to be paired with someone also going through treatment at the hospital. The support and relationships that are built through our program add comfort that extends beyond a hospital stay.

Multidisciplinary care team

Effective cancer care goes beyond traditional treatment methods, and requires the input and expertise of a wide range of specialists to provide support for you and your family. Our team of specialists includes:

• Lymphedema therapists
• Medical oncologists
• Nurse navigators
• Palliative care nurses
• Pathologists
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
• Psychosocial specialists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Surgeons

Nurse navigators

A nurse navigator acts as a guiding figure on the breast cancer team who is there to offer ongoing support for you and your loved ones. Their role is to accompany you through every step of your cancer journey and provide you with information to make the best possible decision about your treatment choices.

About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (844) 482-4812.