We know how difficult it is to hear that you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. There is a flurry of emotions, and it can seem so hard to navigate. But you can rest assured that at AdventHealth, we’re here for you. Although breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women, there is hope in knowing this cancer is very treatable if caught early and approached the right way.
At AdventHealth, we care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Our expert care team and surgeons will be with you every step of the way, from your diagnosis to treatment and beyond. You can trust us to provide you with whole-person health care while we partner with you in facing your diagnosis.
Read on to hear from one of our expert surgeons, Frank Velez, MD, and learn more about breast cancer, including surgical treatment options.
Mammograms: The Power of Early Detection
One of the best defenses against breast cancer is early detection. 1 in 8 women will get diagnosed with breast cancer, but it’s treatable if caught early. That’s why it’s so important for you to get your mammogram screenings every year. At AdventHealth, we offer mammogram screenings for all women and encourage you to make this annual engagement to stay on top of your health starting at age 40.
Dr. Velez informs us that “Mammograms have the power to save lives. I strongly encourage all my patients to get annual screenings as a defense against a cancer diagnosis.”
We know that you may have a lot of questions when it comes to mammograms. Our care team is dedicated to answering all your questions and ensuring you feel comfortable moving forward with your mammogram screenings.
Surgical Treatment Options
“For an early detection of breast cancer, surgery is the best curative option,” says Dr. Velez. There are two main types of surgical treatment options. The first is a lumpectomy, or breast conservative therapy. Dr Velez explains: “A lumpectomy is when the cancerous breast lesion is removed, but the majority of the breast tissue is left behind.” This surgery is usually followed by radiation. Combining those two treatment options will decrease the chance of the cancer coming back.
The other type of surgery performed is a mastectomy. “This procedure is done by removing the entire breast to prevent further damage to the body,” says Dr. Velez.
“While we do promote the conservation of the breast, the decision on which surgical option to have is a personal choice,” says Dr. Velez.
Surgical treatment options are always available to you at AdventHealth. We’re dedicated to providing the necessary information to decide what treatment is right for you. We’re here for you during every stage of the decision-making process.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for breast cancer, one of which is chemotherapy. For this treatment, your doctor will administer a mixture of medications that will track down your cancerous cells and eliminate them or slow the spread. The combination of medications will be designed specifically for you and the type of cancer you have.
Another option is radiation. For this treatment, your doctor uses the same energy produced from X-rays and will target specific areas of the body where the cancerous cells or tumors are and eliminate them by damaging their DNA.
Navigating Your Diagnosis
When it comes to navigating your breast cancer diagnosis, know that our expert care team is here for you every step of the way. It’s important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about your concerns and best tips for preventing a diagnosis. You don’t have to face this process alone, and you shouldn’t.
Your Partner in Breast Cancer Treatment
From your diagnosis to recovery, we care for you in body, mind and spirit. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Velez, click here. You have what it takes to face your diagnosis.
