Breast Cancer

At Trinity Health Of New England, your breast cancer care journey is as unique as you are. Our nationally recognized program is home to experienced breast cancer providers. We work as a team delivering today’s best treatments along with support that keeps your recovery moving forward. Many of our patients return to their everyday lives with a renewed sense of hope about their future.

Nationally Recognized Breast Cancer Treatment at Trinity Health Of New England

Our breast cancer experts hold themselves to the highest standards. Patients put their trust in us because we deliver safe, effective care. Our commitment to delivering high-quality breast cancer services has helped us earn national recognition from:

• National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
• Women’s Choice Award® – Breast Care Center designation 

Highlights of our program include:

• Highly skilled team: Our team includes surgical oncologists who completed additional training (a fellowship) in breast cancer surgery. You may also receive care from oncoplastic surgeons who specialize in breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. Trinity Health Of New England is also home to medical oncologists who treat breast cancer with chemotherapy (cancer-fighting drugs) and other substances.
• Timely care: If you receive abnormal mammogram results, you don’t have to wait to learn about the next steps of your care. Patients at Saint Francis Hospital speak with a breast surgeon the same day, and at Mercy Medical Center the next business day. We discuss additional tests you may need and answer questions about breast cancer treatment.
• Coordination: Our cancer experts, which also include radiation oncologists and nurse navigators, are in regular communication about your care plan. We work as a team to plan the best therapies for your needs. As you progress through treatment, we arrange additional therapies as needed to keep your recovery on track.
• Treatment for men: On rare occasions, men receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Our team also has experience meeting the unique needs of men with breast cancer.

Additional Support Throughout Your Care Journey

Patients in many of our locations receive a helping hand from nurse navigators. These specialists are available to you at any point in your care journey. Nurse navigators help you by arranging appointments and additional services that make your life a little easier.

Breast Cancer Surgery at Trinity Health Of New England

In most breast cancer cases, surgery is necessary. Our team considers the options that are best for your situation and takes time to explain our care recommendations. This thoughtful approach helps you receive exceptional breast cancer treatment that best meets your personal preferences.

Your surgery may include:

Breast-conserving techniques

We use sophisticated techniques to treat the cancer while preserving healthy breast tissue. These techniques allow you to retain a more natural look and feel.

Breast-conserving techniques we offer include:

• Lumpectomy: Surgeons remove the cancer leaving nearby healthy tissue alone.
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy: We remove the entire breast while preserving the nipple and nearby tissue (areola). This technique allows many patients to retain sensation in their breast after surgery and reconstruction.

Reconstructive breast surgery

All patients undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy meet with an oncoplastic surgeon to discuss breast reconstruction options. These experts specialize in reconstruction after cancer surgery, giving you access to the highest level of care. The choice of whether to receive reconstructive surgery is yours.

Reconstructive breast surgery often includes:

• Creating new breasts in women who have had a mastectomy
• Repairing gaps in breast tissue from a lumpectomy

Additional Breast Cancer Treatments We Offer

You may receive additional treatments before or after surgery, including:

• Chemotherapy: We recommend cancer-fighting drugs and other substances that destroy cancer cells. Our medical oncologists tailor doses to help you achieve excellent results.
  
  Read more about chemotherapy and medical oncology
   
• Radiation therapy: We offer the latest treatment technologies as well as techniques, like deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH), that protect your heart. With DIBH, you take a deep breath and hold it, pushing your heart out of the way, while we deliver treatment.
  
  Get more information about radiation therapy
   
• Magtrace®: Saint Mary's Hospital offers breast cancer patients access to the world's first non-radioactive, dual-tracer breast cancer staging technology. The Magtrace® lymphatic tracer is a simple iron oxide-based magnetic solution that is designed to simplify breast cancer surgery, while allowing you to have a more patient-friend experience.
  
  Get more information about Magtrace
   
• Rehabilitation: We don’t let side effects from treatment, such as weakness and nerve pain, prevent you from reclaiming your life. Our experienced physical therapists ease discomfort and help you regain strength. These services speed recovery so you can get back to daily life.
  
  Learn more about cancer rehabilitation
   
• Supportive care: Living with breast cancer can leave you feeling uncertain about your health. Whether you are feeling depressed or need a caring ear, we are here for you. Our services include emotional support and childcare during appointments.
  
  Get more details about palliative and supportive care services
   

In The News

Listen to our latest episode “Breast Health: Myths and Facts” as Christina Metcalf, M.D., breaks down tips and strategies on breast cancer and prevention.

Contact Us

Services vary by cancer care location.