Comprehensive Breast Cancer Treatment in Southern California
Breast cancer a leading cause of death in women. However, if breast cancer is found in the early stages, it is highly treatable. Early detection through screening, including an annual mammogram, can save your life. Treatment options depend on the stage of breast cancer.
At Dignity Health Southern California hospitals, the goal of breast cancer treatment is complete remission, meaning there are no signs of cancer in the body. Find a Doctor with expertise in breast cancer treatment in Southern California at one of our hospitals, conveniently located in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino, today.
Breast Cancer Surgery at Dignity Health Southern California
Surgery is often the primary treatment for breast cancer. Mastectomy removes the entire breast, while lumpectomy removes just the tumor and some surrounding tissue. Using minimally-invasive procedures, traditional approaches, or the latest in image-guided techniques, our Dignity Health Southern California cancer specialists are extraordinarily precise in removing tumors while preserving as much function and healthy tissue as possible.
Radiation Therapy
You may need radiation therapy before or after surgery to shrink tumors or destroy remaining cancer cells. Radiation can also help relieve symptoms in advanced breast cancer and treat cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.
The Harold & Carole Pump Department of Radiation Oncology at Northridge Hospital Medical Center is the only treatment center in the San Fernando Valley that offers advanced radiation therapy options such as the Trilogy® Linear Accelerator, MammoSite, brachytherapy, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy stops cancer cells from growing or kills them outright. Dignity Health Southern California hospitals offer patients the newest options in chemotherapy designed to reduce side effects.
Chemotherapy is used before and after surgery, and may be combined with radiation and targeted therapies.
Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies take advantage of protein markers that are present on cancer cells. These therapies identify and attack only cells that have the markers. Because they lack the markers, normal cells are not harmed. Sometimes targeted therapies can work after chemotherapy has failed.
Targeted therapies are commonly used to treat HER2-positive breast cancers and hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers grow in response to the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Hormone therapy blocks hormone receptors on cancer cells or lowers hormone levels in the body to slow the growth of these cancers.
Understanding Your Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Your Dignity Health Southern California doctor will tell you about the side effects, risks, benefits, and goals of each of your breast cancer treatment options. Your personal preferences, biopsy results, and breast cancer stage will help determine the right treatment for you. Trust us to partner with you in your fight against cancer — reach out to a doctor today.
Dignity Health offers a variety of breast cancer treatment options in Southern California.