Breast Cancer
St. Joseph's offers a variety of treatment options for breast cancer. The Breast Evaluation Center provides comprehensive surgical evaluation of patients with breast lumps and nonpalpable mammographic abnormalities. Patients who are candidates for breast-conserving surgery are evaluated for both conventional external beam breast radiation therapy as well as for accelerated partial breast irradiation. Patients who choose to proceed with surgical removal of the entire breast are evaluated by plastic and reconstructive surgeons. All breast cancer patients undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy as part of their cancer operation.
Definition of breast cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
Read more about the stages of breast cancer.
Diagnosis
It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area seen on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or, more often, by other, less serious problems. To determine the cause of any signs or symptoms you may have, your physician will perform a careful physical exam that includes a personal and family medical history, as well as questions about your current overall health status. Read more about diagnosis of breast cancer.
Estimated new cases and deaths
Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2009:
- New cases: 192,370 (female); 1,910 (male)
- Deaths: 40,170 (female); 440 (male)
Read more about the genetics of breast cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
Gynecologic oncologists specialize in cancers of the women's reproductive tract, including cancers of the vulva, cervix, endometrium and ovary. Gynecologic oncologists are skilled in pelvic surgery, pre-operative and post-operative care, the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. St. Joseph's has board-certified gynecologic oncologists on staff who are considered experts in their field. Additionally, a multispecialty tumor board meets routinely to review gynecologic oncology patients' progress and make recommendations for treatment options.
Definition of ovarian cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed). Most ovarian cancers are either ovarian epithelial carcinomas (cancer that begins in the cells on the surface of the ovary) or malignant germ cell tumors (cancer that begins in egg cells).
Estimated new cases and deaths
Estimated new cases and deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States in 2009:
- New cases: 21,550
- Deaths: 14,600
