Patient Services
Breast cancer is common in the US, and is the second-highest cause of cancer death in women. However, breakthroughs in treatment and detection have dramatically increased the recovery rate from breast cancer. At UPMC Cancer Centers, a dedicated network of oncologists, nurses and support staff work to diagnose and treat breast cancer using the most advanced procedures and technology. Treatment at UPMC Cancer Centers goes beyond just treating the disease; we treat the patient. Healthy, positive patients have the best outcomes, and resources focused on supportive care range from nutrition to family therapy.
UPMC Cancer Centers' multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care includes a team of surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists, as well as other personnel from the disciplines of hematology, oncology, medicine, surgery and pathology. The majority of new and follow-up patients are evaluated at Magee-Womens Hospital; some are seen at Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside. The research of many of our breast cancer specalists focuses on identifying people who are at high risk for developing breast cancers, developing better screening and diagnostic approaches and investigating more effective therapies for managing these cancers.
More information about breast cancer treatment options
- Surgery
- Sentinel lymph node mapping
Brachytherapy
Overview of breast surgical program
- Radiotherapy
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
Radiation oncology overview
- Medical therapies
- Chemotherapy
Biological therapy
Additional Breast Cancer Services
- The Breast Health and Cancer Prevention Center is designed for women with special breast health needs, including those who have benign breast conditions, breast implants, or recurrent breast symptoms. Services include a comprehensive evaluation with breast cancer risk assessment, counseling and an individualized breast cancer risk management program with an individualized prevention prescription including screening, chemoprevention, or prophylactic surgery.
- Breast Cancer Education Series: a bimonthly series for breast cancer survivors, women recently diagnosed with the illness, or women and their family members concerned about the disease.
- Genetics counseling and breast cancer risk assessments: initiated by Program nurse practitioners and provided by trained genetic counselors and physicians knowledgeable in cancer genetics.
- Genetic testing is available for women at increased risk of disease. Overall, about 40 patients undergo breast cancer genetic testing yearly through the Program.
- Special detection and diagnostic procedures: including digital mammography and dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of breast cancer in selected populations of women.
- Minimally invasive biopsy methods, ensuring that procedures are done quickly and efficiently, and with less need for excisional biopsies.
- Support services: include counseling, support groups and a lymphedema clinic.
- Wide access to local and national clinical trials
Return to top of page
