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RIO BRAVO CANCER CENTER’S BREAST CANCER PROGRAM
BREAST CANCER PROGRAM
The Breast Cancer Program at Rio Bravo Cancer Center provides a comprehensive and integrative approach to breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment. We are committed to bringing you the brightest minds and the latest treatment advancements. We help heal our patients utilizing the most advanced diagnostic technology and tailored therapies available anywhere. We provide complete breast cancer care that helps you live better and longer. Our world-class team of medical oncologists and radiation oncologists works closely with highly trained breast cancer surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. Our dedication is to advance new ways of saving lives and improving health. Together, we will help develop the right treatment plan that works for you.
Our multidisciplinary cancer clinics at Rio Bravo Cancer Center combine the very best resources and specialists—all within a single location—for a highly coordinated experience that delivers exceptional care. Patients with a new breast cancer diagnosis can come to Rio Bravo Cancer Center and have multiple specialists review their pathology, radiology exams, and other diagnostic tests. We will then formulate a comprehensive treatment plan that best suits you. Our program offers the most advanced technology in diagnosing and treating breast cancer, with many treatments and services not provided elsewhere in Kern County.
When you choose Rio Bravo Cancer Center, you will only receive the most comprehensive and personalized breast cancer care. Our patients have access to the most advanced chemotherapy and cutting-edge radiation oncology treatment system. We provide access to top-quality treatment, nurse educators, and referrals to clinical trials when needed. We also have access to multiple outpatient programs such as; transportation, financial assistance, meditation, support groups, post-survivorship care, and nutritional programs.
BREAST CANCER CARE
Our team provides more than just high-quality treatment for breast cancer. Our team of healthcare professionals is readily available to answer questions regarding treatment side effects, medicine interactions, breast cancer prevention, and nutritional questions. Our goal is to optimize wellness during cancer treatment, promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent cancer recurrence.
ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
FOR BREAST CANCER
Our facility has access to the most advanced diagnostic tests, including:
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3D mammography
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Breast MRI
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MRI-guided biopsy of breast tumors
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PET/CT
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Bone Scan
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Ultrasound
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stereotactic biopsies
These advanced diagnostic tests enable our trained professionals to identify the extent of cancer within the body accurately. We also offer cutting-edge diagnostic testing of breast cancer, including DNA tumor profiling and familial genetic testing to accurately identify and evaluate the type of breast cancer within your body.
1. Digital Mammography Screening – 3D Mammogram: 3D Mammography is the latest and most advanced technique for detecting cancers in the breast. This test has a much higher sensitivity for detecting tumors than conventional mammography. Our team works with highly trained breast radiologists with extensive experience in this advanced imaging technology. Women over 40 should consider breast cancer screening with mammography.
2. Breast MRI: Our facility has access to breast imaging with the latest breast MRI technology. This form of imaging can detect cancers readily missed by conventional mammography. This provides comprehensive breast imaging to ensure accurate staging of breast cancer.
3. PET/CT: This is an advanced nuclear medicine test that searches the whole body for any evidence of the spread of cancer. This technique has much higher sensitivity than traditional CT imaging. The benefit is that this test can help aid in more accurate staging and monitoring of advanced cancer. This results in improved and more personalized treatment for our patients with breast cancer.
BREAST CANCER TREATMENTS
When you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you have access to various treatments designed to eliminate the cancer altogether. Advances in breast cancer treatment have made survival rates among the best of all forms of cancer. With survival rates so high, oncologists and patients can pursue treatments that are not just effective in treating the cancer but offer the patient the best quality of life during and after treatment.
The three most common forms of treatment include radiation therapy, surgery, and systemic therapy (chemotherapy, hormone modulating agents, etc.).
1. Breast Surgery: Once you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you will be referred to a surgeon. We work closely with experts in breast cancer surgery, plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery to give women the best cosmetic results and surgical options. We only work with surgeons who are highly trained in advanced surgical techniques.
2. Medical Oncology (Systemic Therapy): Most, but not all, patients diagnosed with breast cancer need some form of systemic therapy to treat the whole body as part of their treatment program. At the Rio Bravo Cancer Center, our medical oncologists are specialists in treating breast cancer. Our physicians have experience treating breast cancer with the most effective and advanced chemotherapies/systemic therapies available.
We will closely evaluate your case and provide only the most personalized treatments specific to your type of breast cancer. We have thorough knowledge of managing the complications, side effects, and psychological/emotional needs that patients with breast cancer experience.
Our medical team works closely together and coordinates treatment efforts across different specialties. We are dedicated to following the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines, which ensures that we are providing therapies that meet the standard of care and have been proven to improve survival outcomes. (please link ‘national comprehensive cancer network (NCCN) to: https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1)
3. Radiation Therapy: Patients who undergo treatment for their breast cancer sometimes may need radiation therapy. This form of adjuvant (supplemental) therapy uses high-energy rays (such as X-rays) to eradicate microscopic cancer cells that remain in the breast after surgery. This form of treatment is very effective in preventing breast cancer recurrence.
Our radiation oncologist will carefully develop a comprehensive radiation treatment plan using advanced imaging and physics planning. The patient lies on a table, and the beams are directed toward the breast. This treatment is generally well tolerated with minimal long-term side effects. Our advanced treatment technology allows us to treat the breast while minimizing side effects to normal organs such as the lung and heart.
RIO BRAVO CANCER CENTER’S ADVANCED TREATMENTS FOR BREAST CANCER
1. Advanced Personalized Treatment (DNA Tumor Profiling): The latest research shows that not all breast tumors are the same. This means that not all breast tumors should be treated the same. Our DNA tumor profiling allows for the most personalized and tailored treatment for your breast cancer. Our advanced technology ensures that our patients achieve a cure with the most appropriate treatment while minimizing side effects.
2. Genetic Testing & Counseling: We offer genetic testing to ensure the proper comprehensive evaluation and to help with early detection for family members. Information is empowering, and our goal at Rio Bravo Cancer Center is to help patients understand their individual risks for future cancers. Through the latest research, we know that those patients with increased genetic risk for cancer require more detailed evaluation and treatment.
3. Clinical Trials: Certain cases do not respond to standard therapy. Fortunately, Rio Bravo Cancer Center has close relationships with major academic institutions that offer novel treatments that may help treat your breast cancer. We will refer you to an appropriate major academic institution for additional treatment if necessary.
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