Breast Cancer Treatment in Toledo

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer:

Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.

Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast, called lobule, that produce milk.

*In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast.

Prevention and early detection are the keys to overcoming breast cancer. Find additional information on breast cancer, and educate yourself on risk factors and early detection measures.

Breast Cancer Prevention:

Many risk factors, such as your genes and family history, cannot be controlled. However, a healthy diet and a few lifestyle changes may reduce your overall chance of cancer. Take a few small steps to detect signs early and improve your health:

Early detection involves:

• Breast self-exams (BSE)
• Clinical breast exams by a medical professional
• Screening mammography

Breast Cancer Treatment with Mercy:

Testing:

Our gynecology and oncology doctors in the Toledo area provide extensive breast cancer testing. Typically, our doctors will ask you about your symptoms and risk factors, and then perform a physical exam; however, additional testing may also be required.

If your doctor learns that you do have breast cancer, additional tests will be done to see if the cancer has spread. This process is called staging. Staging helps guide future treatment and follow-up and gives you some idea of what to expect in the future.

Treatment:

The type of treatment you receive is based on many factors, including the type and stage of cancer. No matter what type of treatment you receive, it will always be given with compassionate care.

Breast cancer treatment may be either local or systemic. Local treatments involve only the area of disease (radiation) and systemic treatments affect the entire body (chemotherapy).

Cancer Treatment May Include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Surgery
  • A lumpectomy removes the breast lump
  • A mastectomy removes all or part of the breast and possible nearby structures
• Other treatments:
  • Hormonal therapy to block certain hormones that fuel cancer growth
  • Targeted therapy to interfere with cancer cell growth and function

Most women receive a combination of treatments. Your cancer treatment plan will depend on a variety of factors, including type and stage of cancer, and personal health characteristics. Breast cancer treatment is only one of many women's healthcare services Mercy provides. Your overall good health takes effort, and our doctors and specialists are here to help you along the way.