BREAST CANCER

At Charleston Oncology, we understand that facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of your treatment, starting with the compassionate care provided by our medical oncology team. With expertise, innovative treatments, and a patient-focused approach, we aim to empower you with clarity, confidence, and support throughout your cancer journey.

CONDUCTING THE ORCHESTRA

Medical oncologists are a vital part of your cancer care team. At Charleston Oncology, our team works with you to develop a personalized breast cancer care plan, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions about your treatment.Similar to an orchestra conductor, your oncologist ensures that all the caregivers throughout your journey are in harmony with your breast cancer care plan.
Your medical oncologist serves as both a guide and an advocate, ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your unique needs. They also coordinate with other specialists in our multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive care focused on your overall well-being.

PERSONALIZED BREAST CANCER TREATMENT PLANS

Breast cancer treatment is highly personalized and depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, whether it has spread, and your overall health and preferences. Systemic therapies are an essential aspect of your personalized breast cancer plan and can include treatments such as:

Chemotherapy: Medications used to attack cancer cells, either shrinking tumors before surgery or addressing cancer cells that may have spread. It may be used before surgery (to shrink tumors), after surgery (to kill any remaining cells), or for more advanced cancers that have spread beyond the breast.

Targeted Therapy: Innovative treatments designed to attack specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer. Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target the cancer’s unique characteristics — such as HER2-positive breast cancer. These therapies are often less toxic than chemotherapy and can be very effective.

Hormone Therapy: Treatments that block hormones like estrogen, which can fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer. If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, hormone therapy may be used to block the body’s ability to produce estrogen or stop estrogen from feeding the cancer. It’s often used after other treatments to help prevent reoccurence.

Immunotherapy: Cutting-edge approaches that harness your immune system to recognize and fight cancer. In some cases, especially with triple-negative breast cancer, immunotherapy may be used. It works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Surgery: Surgery is often the first step in treating breast cancer. The goal is to remove the tumor and sometimes surrounding tissue or lymph nodes. Types of surgery include:

• Lumpectomy – removes only the cancerous area and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
• Mastectomy – removes the entire breast. In some cases, both breasts may be removed (double mastectomy).
• Lymph node removal – may be done to check for or prevent the spread of cancer.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It is commonly used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, especially following a lumpectomy.

Genomics: Genomic tests, also called genomic assays, look closely at a sample of cancer tissue to see how active certain genes are. The activity level of the genes can help predict how likely the cancer is to grow and spread (metastasize). Genomic test results help doctors make decisions about whether having more treatments after surgery (like chemotherapy or radiation) would be beneficial.

Integrative Oncology: Integrative oncology is a patient-centered approach to cancer care that combines conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies to address the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. It’s not an alternative to standard treatments like chemotherapy or surgery, but rather a way to enhance treatment effectiveness, manage side effects, and improve quality of life by incorporating evidencebased complementary therapies alongside conventional care.

Clinical Trials: Charleston Oncology and RSFH have a well developed clinical trails program that includes trials specific to breast cancer. Clinical trials for breast cancer may include those focusing on early-stage, metastatic, and specific subtypes like HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer. These trials explore a range of approaches, such as immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy, and epigenetic therapies. Some trials aim to improve existing treatments or find new ways to overcome resistance to current therapies.

Genetics Testing: Breast cancer genetics involves inherited gene mutations that can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. The most well-known of these are BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which are associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome. Other genes, like PALB2, TP53, CHEK2, and ATM, also play a role in breast cancer susceptibility. Genetic testing can help identify these mutations, allowing for personalized risk assessment and management strategies. At Charleston Oncology, we are committed to utilizing the latest advancements in systemic therapies to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND INNOVATIVE CARE

We believe that collaboration and seamless navigations throughout Roper St. Francis Cancer Care is at the heart of effective cancer treatment. Our team of medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and support staff work together to create a well managed care experience, addressing every aspect of your health—physical, emotional, and psychological.

The DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System
We understand that maintaining a sense of normalcy is important during treatment. That’s why we’re proud to offer the DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System to help minimize hair loss caused by chemotherapy. This innovative tool can be a source of comfort, empowering you to feel more like yourself throughout your treatment.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Your treatment, your choice—it all starts with understanding your options. At Charleston Oncology, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical oncologists today to explore the care, expertise, and support that have made Charleston Oncology a trusted name in breast cancer treatment.

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Our patients share their journey with newly diagnosed patients. Here their inspirational stories and advice
during the fight against breast cancer.

Common Questions

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BREAST CANCER?

Under the heading of breast cancer are several different types of the disease. While any cancer diagnosis is severe, the kind of cancer dictates to a great extent the nature of treatment you will receive. The main types of breast cancer are:

IN SITU CANCERS

These types of cancer are noninvasive, as well as pre-invasive, and are found in the milk glands in your breast. While these cancers are localized, they still warrant treatment and bear close monitoring because they can become more aggressive.

INVASIVE BREAST CANCERS

Invasive cancers, such as the more common invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma, need treatment because they have spread into your breast tissue.

There are rarer forms of breast cancer, which account for less than 3-9% of cancer cases, and include:

• Angiosarcoma
• Inflammatory breast cancer
• Paget disease of the nipple
• Phyllodes tumor