Being diagnosed with breast cancer or having a loved one diagnosed can be life-changing and overwhelming. You’ll likely have many questions, including, what will treatment look like, can I be cured or how will this impact my family?
Maybe you’re even wondering about where you should be treated for breast cancer.
While you didn’t choose breast cancer, the choice of where to be treated is clear. The breast specialists at the OSUCCC – James not only have the technical training, decades of experience and advanced technology to provide stellar treatment, but they also deliver their care with compassion that’s unmatched by most.
The world-class Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center provides a full continuum of care from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship all in one convenient place. There, health professionals from all disciplines will meet with you to answer your questions and create your personalized treatment plan.
At the OSUCCC – James, breast researchers work tirelessly every day to find better detection methods and more effective treatments. Since we’re a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, you’ll have access to many ongoing clinical trials from around the globe.
But we’ll also make sure you have a comfortable robe to wear while at appointments and refreshments in between those appointments to calm fears and ease discomfort. We try to schedule multiple appointments on one day to make it more convenient for you to access this great care.
Whether you’re worried about having breast cancer, are at high risk for developing it or have just been diagnosed, the OSUCCC – James can be the answer you’re looking for.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the breast and grow out of control. These cancer cells can eventually spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
The first symptom of many breast cancers is a lump in your breast. Other breast changes, including a rash-like redness on the skin, can also be signs of breast cancer. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you feel a lump or notice changes in your breast.
Other breast cancers don’t have any symptoms in the earlier stages. That’s why those over 40 or those with a high risk of breast cancer should have an annual mammogram. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer before symptoms begin and when cancer is at the earliest and most treatable stage. Breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically in recent years, in part because of this early detection.
Where does breast cancer start?
The breast is made up of three parts: the lobules, ducts and connective tissue. The lobules are glands that produce milk, whereas the ducts carry the milk to the nipple. The tissue surrounds the lobules and ducts and holds the breast together.
Most breast cancers start in the lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or the ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). However, there are a few rarer cancers that form in other parts, including the nipple, breast skin or connective tissue.
Types of breast cancer
There are different types of breast cancer based on where the cancer starts in the breast as well as its genetic makeup and stage. It’s important to understand the type of breast cancer you have, because treatments are very dependent on the type.
Some types of breast cancer we treat at the OSUCCC – James include:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma
- Invasive lobular carcinoma
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- HER2-positive breast cancer
- Hormone-positive breast cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Metastatic breast cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Paget’s disease
- Phyllodes tumor
Who does breast cancer typically affect?
It’s the second most common cancer affecting women and those born female, behind skin cancer, with more than 230,000 women being diagnosed every year. Roughly one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point.
Breast cancer typically affects women over 50, but it can also develop in men and younger women.
Microsurgery techniques advance breast reconstruction and lymphedema outcomes
Complex microsurgery done at the OSUCCC – James improves breast reconstruction and prevents a common complication of lymph node removal for people with cancer.
Why should I be treated for breast cancer at the OSUCCC – James?
Because breast cancer can affect all types of people and there are various kinds of breast cancer, you need experts trained to treat your unique form of cancer. That’s where the breast specialists at the OSUCCC – James excel. They’re specially trained to treat the various forms of breast cancer and often have extra expertise in certain breast cancer subtypes or do research in those certain areas.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, would like a second opinion, want to speak with a breast cancer specialist or schedule a mammogram, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 800-240-4477 to make an appointment.
Other reasons the OSUCCC – James is a leader in breast cancer care in Ohio and the United States include:
Our breast clinicians are superspecialists
The breast cancer experts at the OSUCCC – James work only with people who have breast cancer or are being screened for breast cancer. Preventing, diagnosing and treating breast cancer is their passion and what they come to work to do all day, every day.
We have a single site of breast cancer services
Almost all our breast services, including mammograms, medical oncology clinics, infusion, surgery consultations and radiation therapy, are located in one convenient, state-of-the-art facility at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center. No need to go anywhere else for your appointments.
We provide access to novel research and treatments
Our clinicians and researchers are creating the next generation of breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment methods. At any given time, we have dozens of clinical trials happening, including ones to address the prevention of lymphedema, the effectiveness of immunotherapy or therapies for people with metastatic breast cancer.
Our specialty programs cater to you
We have various programs that provide care and support for different breast cancer types or situations that might arise during your treatment. For example, we have an Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program, the Living Well with Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic, onco-fertility programs and programs for older adults with breast cancer.
We support every aspect of your breast cancer care
From support groups to caregiver respite to help finding a mastectomy bra, we’re here to help. For example, our Hope’s Boutique offers wig services and special bras, among many other items, while our onco-rehabilitation specialists make sure you can live the life you want following cancer treatment.
Your guide for breast cancer prevention
Let’s go beyond the basics to understand the breast cancer risk factors, preventive steps you can take to lower your risk and how Ohio State experts are evolving the field of research and treatment for breast cancer.
Related Resources
Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
Breast Cancer Symptoms and Causes
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Staging
Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer Treatment Team
Breast Cancer Prevention Guide