Breast Cancer Care

An estimated one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime — making breast cancer the second most common cancer among women. Advances in treatment, improved diagnostic and screening tools, and a better understanding of this disease are leading to better outcomes.

Wherever you are on your healing journey, PeaceHealth is here for you. We offer the full spectrum of care for all types of breast cancer — whether it’s primary or metastatic (has spread); stage I or stage IV; invasive or inflammatory. The comprehensive breast cancer center in your community gives you hope and support at every step.

Research and clinical trials

PeaceHealth Cancer Centers offer patients participation in national research studies which afford them access to the latest research into new approaches for treating cancer. Your doctor can help determine if there may be a clinical trial or research study right for you.

Breast cancer care at PeaceHealth

The last thing you may feel like doing while navigating a cancer diagnosis is to travel for treatment and care. That’s why PeaceHealth offers breast cancer care close to home in Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

Convenient, comprehensive care at PeaceHealth

Patients can access the latest advances in breast cancer care and treatment at PeaceHealth. Our compassionate team delivers the care patients want and need, including 3D mammography, immunotherapy and more.

Guiding you along your path

Cancer is a journey that should never be taken alone. Our nurse navigators are here to answer your questions, help you understand your diagnosis and treatment plan, and schedule your doctor appointments and tests.

We work together for you

Your entire care team will work together across specialties — from radiation to oncology, nutrition to rehabilitation — to create a plan that addresses your needs and helps you feel better and stronger.

Evidence-based care can lead to better outcomes

The field of breast cancer care is always evolving. PeaceHealth is committed to staying up-to-date on advances to deliver care that can help improve outcomes for you, your family and our whole community.

Conditions We Treat

Ductal carcinoma in situ

Ductal carcinoma in situ is breast cancer that has not spread outside of the breast tissue.

HER2-positive breast cancer

Cells make too much of a protein called HER2 in this type of cancer. HER2-positive breast cancers are often aggressive and fast-growing.

Inflammatory breast cancer

An uncommon type of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer only accounts for one to five percent of all breast cancers.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS, or lobular neoplasia)

With this condition, cells that look like cancer cells are growing in the lobules (milk-producing glands of the breast). LCIS is not a form of cancer, and it usually doesn’t spread, even if untreated. However, women with LCIS do have a greater chance of getting invasive breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer

Breast cancer is triple-negative when it does not have estrogen or progesterone receptors and does not overproduce the HER-2 protein. This cancer is most often associated with the BRCA1 gene.

Invasive ductal carcinoma

The most common invasive cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma. This type of cancer can (or has) spread into surrounding breast tissue.

Male breast cancer

Most commonly diagnosed in older men, breast cancer can affect men at any age. It forms in breast tissue.

Treatments Provided

Advanced breast imaging

If your mammogram results aren’t clear, your doctor may order extra tests to help confirm or rule out cancer. These tests include breast ultrasound or breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Advanced diagnostic imaging

Diagnostic imaging allows doctors to better understand the type and stage of breast cancer. Advanced diagnostic imaging may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), computed tomography (CT) scans, bone density scans and others.

Breast biopsies

Breast biopsies confirm if breast cancer cells are present and the type of cancer cells they are. PeaceHealth offers several biopsies, including fine needle aspiration (FNA), core needle, surgical, lymph node and image-guided (also called stereotactic biopsy). You and your doctor will discuss which biopsy is right for you.

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer screenings check for lumps in breast tissue and other results that aren’t normal — which may or may not be cancer. Screenings may include:

Breast exam by your doctor – Your doctor will feel for lumps or look for changes in your breast.
Digital mammography – Traditional and 3D mammograms take pictures of the breast to look for early signs of cancer. They may detect cancer before you have symptoms.
Breast ultrasound – A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the breast. Some women with dense breasts or a high risk for cancer may be screened with ultrasound.

Breast cancer surgery

PeaceHealth provides several options based on your diagnosis. We offer:

Sentinel node biopsy – Surgery to collect lymph nodes to determine if cancer has spread beyond the breast.
Lumpectomy/partial mastectomy – Surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue, or a part of the breast.
Mastectomy – Surgery to remove one or both breasts.
Breast reconstruction – Surgery to rebuild the look and shape of breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

Breast Surgery

Breast surgery treats both cancerous and non-cancerous (benign) conditions of the breast, such as infections and fibroids. Common procedures include lumpectomy and mastectomy.

Cancer rehabilitation

Cancer treatment sometimes causes side effects. These may include trouble concentrating, lymphedema (swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup), chronic pain or weakened muscles. PeaceHealth offers a wide range of rehabilitation services to help you manage these problems and regain your strength.

Rehab therapy may include:

Physical or occupational therapy – Programs can help improve function and mobility, adapt to lifestyle changes after surgery and rebuild strength.
Lymphedema therapy – Certified specialists offer personalized support to help improve circulation and your range of motion.
Feeding and swallowing therapy – Therapy to help you get back to easily chewing and swallowing food.
Specialized rehabilitation – Therapy tailored to your needs and goals. This may include pulmonary rehab, cardiac rehab, balance and vestibular (inner ear) therapy or incontinence (bladder control) therapy.
Neuropsychology – Testing and therapies to help improve concentration, thinking and focus.
Wound care – Specialized care and help to manage surgery scars and wounds. This may include removing scar tissue (resection), hyperbaric oxygen therapy and others.
Behavioral health therapies – Group or one-on-one sessions offer coping strategies for you and your loved ones.
Pain rehabilitation therapies – Nonsurgical and interventional approach to manage pain using medicines, injections, biofeedback and other methods.

Cancer screening

Regular cancer screening can mean early detection — and a better chance for survival. We offer the latest screening technologies for breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and more.

High-risk breast program

Genetic testing helps women learn about their risk of breast cancer and protect their health with preventive measures. The comprehensive breast care program at PeaceHealth includes testing, diagnostic tools and counseling to empower and educate women.

Medical oncology

Your cancer care team includes experienced providers from across specialties, led by your medical oncologist. These doctors specialize in oncology and hematology. They are here to share their insight and experience with you and your family.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may help stop or slow cancer cell growth using high-energy beams. Often used along with other treatments, radiation therapy for breast cancer can include external beam radiation (outside the body) and internal beam radiation (inside the body, called brachytherapy). We offer advanced radiation that conforms to and targets your tumor, even if it moves. This can result in safer, more precise treatments. These include 3D conformal radiation and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).