Regional Cancer Program at Grand View Hospital
Breast Cancer Program
Grand View Hospital's Breast Cancer Program arms you with comprehensive treatment options.
The diagnosis is confirmed...you have breast cancer. Fortunately, it has among the highest survival rates of any cancer. A woman diagnosed with breast cancer in its early stages can expect to beat the disease, provided she receives aggressive treatment. For many, quick action may save the breast. Therapy may involve several types of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
The Fox Chase Affiliation
Working Together to Fight Breast Cancer Grand View Hospital is a member of the Fox Chase Network – a group of select hospitals working cooperatively to provide the latest in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in their own communities. Through the affiliation, Grand View has ties to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a national alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. The Fox Chase relationship offers Grand View patients access to many cancer treatment and prevention clinical trials, as well as second-opinion service provided by Fox Chase Cancer Center physicians on-site at its main campus or the High Point Professional Building.
Men Can Have Breast Cancer,Too
Each year, about 1,200 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Although certain risk factors such as age, family history, gene mutation and radiation exposure may increase a man’s chances of developing breast cancer, the cause of most breast cancers in men is unknown.
Surgical Treatments at Grand View
Lumpectomy
Lumpectomy removes the tumor rather than entire breast. It is appropriate for women with smaller tumors found in the early stage of the disease. A surgeon removes all of the cancer plus a margin of normal tissue around the tumor. Often, lymph nodes under the arm are removed to see if they contain cancer cells.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy removes the entire breast containing the cancer as well as some lymph nodes from under the arm.Women who select mastectomy may choose to undergo reconstructive surgery immediately thereafter or at a later time. Breast Reconstructive Surgery creates breast mounds that closely match one’s natural breast in form and appearance.
Lymph nodes will be removed at the time of surgery to determine whether your cancer has spread to other parts of the body. See inside for details.
Cancer-Fighting Therapies
Grand View Hospital offers many non-surgical options to treat cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy often follows surgery and is the usual course of treatment after lumpectomy. Radiation treatments are used to kill cancer cells that may remain after surgery. Using Grand View’s advanced computerized technology, your physician – the radiation oncologist – works closely with our highly skilled dosimetrists, physicists and therapists to accurately plan and deliver your treatment.
Grand View offers patients several radiation delivery methods. Among the newest technologies offered are three-dimensional (3D) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Using these tools, we can precisely deliver a high dose of radiation to the breast and tumor bed while limiting the amount of radiation to the normal, surrounding tissues and organs.Your radiation oncologist will discuss which method is best for you.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to destroy breast cancer cells that have survived surgery. While radiation targets tumor sites, chemotherapy travels throughout the body to kill cancer cells that may have broken away from the tumor and begun to move to other areas of the body. As a result, chemotherapy can be useful in preventing recurrence or the spread of the cancer. Advances have greatly decreased side effects, such as nausea and fatigue.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal Therapy controls the growth of breast cancer by blocking production of the female hormone estrogen, which often promotes growth of the disease.
Breast-Saving Options
For many women diagnosed with breast cancer in its early stages, physicians and staff at Grand View can treat the disease while saving the breast. Through our screening and diagnostic procedures – including digital mammography, breast MRI and breast ultrasound – we are able to detect very small breast cancers curable through a combination of lumpectomy and radiation therapy.
Breast-sparing treatment is as effective in curing early breast cancer as mastectomy.Your physician can tell you if this approach is right for you.
Determining the Spread of Cancer
Following your surgery, you will receive a diagnostic procedure to determine whether your cancer has spread beyond the breast.
We offer two options:
Sentinel Node Biopsy determines if breast cancer has spread to lymph nodes under the arm by removing just one to a few nodes. It is usually used when cancer is found in its early stages. Research indicates it may be associated with less pain and fewer complications than more invasive procedures.
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection removes tissue from under the arm. On average, 10-15 lymph nodes are removed and evaluated by a pathologist.
Other Services
Breast Cancer Support Group
Led by our Breast Care Coordinator, the Breast Cancer Support Group enables newly diagnosed patients to gain strength, inspiration and practical tips from cancer survivors. Meetings alternate from support-only gatherings to educational sessions with speakers.
Services for Lifestyle Modification and Coping Grand View offers programs to help you cope with difficulties surrounding a cancer diagnosis. These include a mindfulness, meditation and stress-reduction series, as well as yoga classes and massage services.
Lymphedema Program
In some cases, women who have had breast surgery may be at risk for developing lymphedema, the over-accumulation of fluid that causes abnormal swelling. Our Lymphedema Program – a program of Grand View’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department – uses massage, compression bandaging, exercise, education and support to manage the symptoms of lymphedema.
Breast Cancer Treatment Available at Two Convenient Locations
Grand View Hospital
Located on Lawn Avenue, just off Route 309 in Sellersville
High Point Cancer Center
Just off County Line and Upper State Roads near Chalfont
For more information about the Grand View Hospital Breast Care Program, call the Breast Care Coordinator at 215-453-4078. |
