Breast cancer

At Tucson Medical Center, we provide expert care for patients with breast cancer. Our team of specialists offers personalized treatment plans, advanced diagnostic tools and compassionate support throughout your journey. From early detection to survivorship, we're here for you every step of the way.

Mammo appt: (520)324-7050

High-risk Breast Clinic

Expert breast cancer treatment and support at TMC

At Tucson Medical Center, we take a comprehensive approach to breast cancer care. Your multidisciplinary team includes surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and support staff who work together to provide personalized treatment plans. We offer advanced diagnostic tools, including 3D mammography, for early detection and accurate diagnosis.The TMC High Risk Breast Clinic offers specialized care for those at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Throughout your journey, we offer support services including nutrition counseling, physical therapy and emotional support to ensure your overall well-being.

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Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control. It can start in different parts of the breast and may spread to other areas of the body. Early detection through regular screenings is crucial for successful treatment. At Tucson Medical Center, we're committed to providing comprehensive care for breast cancer patients at every stage. Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm

Changes in breast size or shape

Skin changes, such as dimpling or redness

Nipple changes or discharge

Risk factors for breast cancer include:

Being female

Increasing age

Personal or family history of breast cancer

Inherited genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2)

Early menstruation or late menopause

Dense breast tissue

Obesity and lack of physical activity

Alcohol consumption

Regular screenings are essential for early detection. We recommend:

Monthly breast self-exams

Annual clinical breast exams

Mammograms as recommended by your health care provider

If you notice any changes in your breasts or have concerns, don't hesitate to contact your health care provider. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Our High-Risk Breast Clinic provides specialized care for individuals at increased risk of developing breast cancer. We offer comprehensive services to help identify, manage and reduce your breast cancer risk. Our services include:

Risk assessment: We evaluate your personal and family history, lifestyle factors and genetic information to determine your breast cancer risk level.

Personalized-screening plans: Based on your risk assessment, we develop tailored screening plans that may include more frequent mammograms, breast MRI or ultrasound.

Risk-reduction strategies: We provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, preventive medications and surgical options to reduce your breast cancer risk.

Education and support: Our team offers resources and support to help you understand your risk and make informed decisions about your breast health.

Multidisciplinary approach: Our clinic collaborates with specialists in breast surgery, medical oncology and plastic surgery to provide comprehensive care.

Long-term follow-up: We offer ongoing monitoring and support to ensure your breast health needs are met over time.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, known genetic mutations or other high-risk factors, the TMC High Risk Breast Clinic can provide the specialized care and support you need. Early intervention and proactive management can significantly impact your breast health and overall well-being.

At Tucson Medical Center, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for breast cancer. Our multidisciplinary team works together to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient's specific needs. Treatment options may include:

Surgery: We offer various surgical procedures, including: lumpectomy (the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue), mastectomy (removal of the entire breast), sentinel lymph node biopsy (removal of a few lymph nodes to check for cancer spread), axillary lymph node dissection (removal of multiple lymph nodes).

Radiation therapy: We use advanced radiation techniques to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Options include external beam radiation and brachytherapy (internal radiation).

Chemotherapy: Our medical oncologists administer powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. This may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant).

Hormone therapy: For hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, we offer treatments that block or lower hormone levels to slow or stop cancer growth.

Targeted therapy: We use drugs that target specific proteins or genes involved in cancer growth, such as HER2-positive breast cancers.

Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts your immune system's ability to fight cancer cells.

At Tucson Medical Center, we understand that breast cancer treatment involves more than just medical care. We offer a wide range of support services to help you and your loved ones throughout your cancer journey:

Nutrition services: Our registered dietitians provide personalized nutrition counseling to help manage treatment side effects and promote overall health.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation: We offer specialized physical therapy services, including lymphedema management, to help you regain strength and mobility after treatment.

Pain management: Our pain specialists work with you to develop effective pain management strategies during and after treatment.

Psychosocial support: We provide access to social workers, psychologists, and support groups to help you cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer treatment.

Look Good, Feel Better program: We offer workshops to help patients manage appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses all aspects of your well-being during and after breast cancer treatment. We're here to support you every step of the way.

At Tucson Medical Center, we emphasize the importance of regular breast cancer screening through mammography. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment outcomes, and mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening.What is a mammogram? A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray image of the breast used to detect breast cancer early, often before any symptoms appear. It can reveal breast changes up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.When to start screening:

Women aged 40 and older should have annual mammograms.

Women with high risk factors may need to start screening earlier or have more frequent exams.

What to expect during a mammogram:

The procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes.

Each of your breasts will be compressed between two plates to spread the tissue and obtain clear images.

You may experience some discomfort, but it's usually brief.

Preparing for your mammogram:

Schedule your mammogram for the week after your menstrual period when your breasts are less tender.

Don't wear deodorant, perfume or powder on the day of your exam, as these can interfere with the images.

Wear a two-piece outfit for easy undressing above the waist.

After your mammogram:

A radiologist will review your images and send a report to your health care provider.

If any abnormalities are detected, you may be called back for additional imaging or a biopsy.

Remember, regular mammograms are an essential part of your health routine. They can detect cancer early when it's most treatable. For more information visit our mammography page.

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This health information is provided by the

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education & Research.

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Expert breast cancer treatment and support at TMC

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