One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But with increased awareness, early detection and innovative new treatments, survival rates continue to rise.
About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the breast. Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue, which is comprised of glands used for milk production (called lobules) and ducts that connect these lobules to the nipple. The remainder of the breast is made up of fatty, connective and lymphatic tissue.
With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and the second leading cause of cancer death, second only to lung cancer. Many breast lumps turn out to be non-cancerous, though a malignant lump can mean that the cancer has already spread beyond the breast. That’s why it’s crucial to get regular breast screenings, so your provider can catch and treat any concerns before they become serious.
Prevention
Whether you have a family history of breast cancer or just want to stay on top of your health, Central Maine Healthcare offers the preventive services and support you need for your peace of mind. Start by understanding your personal breast cancer risk factors, and how you can take control right away. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or other factors that may increase your risk, talk to your provider about further ways to prevent the disease.
Detection
If you’re over 40, getting an annual mammogram is your best weapon against breast cancer. Mammography has proven to be the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Central Maine Healthcare offers all-digital mammography, with crystal-clear images that can be magnified to pinpoint any suspicious areas.
Not all breast problems are cancer, but if you’re diagnosed, our breast cancer experts will be by your side. Our dedicated care team—including gynecologic and radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and more—work closely to create a personalized cancer treatment plan. Should you need surgery, we offer a full range of breast procedures, including mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast reconstruction and more to help return you to good health. And you have access to leading breast cancer clinical trials, right here at home.
Screening and Diagnosis
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But with increased awareness, early detection and innovative new treatments, survival rates continue to rise.
Treatment
Not all breast problems are cancer, but if you’re diagnosed, our breast cancer experts will be by your side. Our dedicated care team—including gynecologic and radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and more—work closely to create a personalized cancer treatment plan. Should you need surgery, we offer a full range of breast procedures, including mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast reconstruction and more to help return you to good health. And you have access to leading breast cancer clinical trials, right here at home.
The Cancer Care Center includes The Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center, which is a nationally accredited Breast Center of Excellence, in addition to being accredited by several renowned professional healthcare organizations that supervise the quality of cancer care. That means you can find peace of mind, knowing that you’re getting excellent care, without having to travel far from home.
Treatment of breast cancer depends on many factors, including your overall health and wellness, the stage of the cancer (early or advanced), hormone sensitivity of the tumor and your personal feelings around certain treatments and possible side effects. Our goal is to keep you feeling well throughout treatment without major changes to your usual routine.
Your personal treatment plan may include one or a combination of:
Breast Cancer Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for early breast cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer, there are different types of surgery available:
- Lumpectomy: Removal of the just tumor and some surrounding tissues.
- Total mastectomy: Removal of the entire affected breast, but no lymph nodes or muscle.
- Modified radical mastectomy: Removal of the affected breast as well as any lymph nodes under the arm where the cancer has spread.
- Radical mastectomy: Removal of the affected breast, lymph nodes and the muscle under the breast.
- Breast reconstruction: One of our skilled plastic surgeons can restore the breast mounds using your own tissue or from other areas of the body, either at the same time or following a mastectomy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an IV or a pill. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, to kill cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery or radiation or to treat tumors that have developed in other areas. Whenever possible, Central Maine Healthcare uses newer medications that help minimize the side effects of chemotherapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to shrink or kill cancer cells and help prevent recurrence of the disease. The rays can be specifically directed at the part of the body where the cancer is located. Treatments are delivered by linear accelerator, where patients lie on a table in a specially designed room.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy uses medication to block the use of estrogen by the cancer cells, as some types of breast cancer rely on estrogen and/or progesterone to grow. These cells are referred to as “hormone receptor positive” cancer cells. If a tumor is not deemed hormone receptor positive, then hormone therapy is not usually used.
Biological Therapy
Biological therapy works in with the body’s own immune system to help destroy cancer cells or to assist in controlling side effects resulting from other cancer treatments.
Support
Throughout your journey, you’ll find a variety of cancer support services to meet your physical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs. That includes your very own breast cancer nurse navigator to coordinate all of your care, connect you to valuable resources and provide extra comfort and support at every step.
Your Breast Cancer Team
The Cancer Care Center provides a team of support for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. You’ll meet with breast cancer surgeons to discuss the best treatment plans. Our surgeons are one part of your team that also includes radiologists, pathologists, and medical and radiation oncologists. If you choose to have reconstructive surgery following breast surgery, your team will also include CMMC’s plastic surgeons.
All these providers work together, communicating with each other as needed to give you individualized, focused care. Our nurse navigators serve as your advocate and can help you with other parts of the process, like understanding financial and health insurance requirements, the day-to-day impact of treatments, and other needs as they arise.