Breast Cancer

Comprehensive breast cancer care at St. Joseph's/Candler

At the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion at St. Joseph's/Candler, we provide personalized and expert care for every step of your breast cancer journey. Our board-certified team uses a cooperative approach to diagnosis, treatment planning and ongoing support. With advanced technology, expert specialists and the latest treatment , we ensure each patient receives the absolute best care to meet their unique needs.

Breast cancer treatment is not just about addressing the disease—it’s about supporting the whole person from diagnosis to survivorship and beyond. Our goal is to ensure that you feel informed and empowered to make the best decisions for your health. We take pride in offering outstanding care close to home.

Breast cancer treatment through collaborative expertise

The Breast Multidisciplinary Team at St. Joseph’s/Candler brings together diverse medical professionals to provide seamless, patient-centered care. The team meets weekly to discuss cases and develop personalized treatment plans for patients. Members include:

• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Surgeons
• Plastic surgeons
• Radiologists
• Internists
• Nutritionist
• Nurse navigator
• Pathologist
• Clinical trials specialists
• Social worker
• Genetic counselors

This diverse team reviews each case and ensures no detail is overlooked. Their combined expertise allows for the development of highly personalized care plans, which are continuously refined to reflect the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. The team's shared commitment to excellence ensures each patient receives comprehensive care.

Innovative initiatives to advance care

The Breast Multidisciplinary Team is dedicated to advancing breast cancer care through collaborative initiatives, such as:

Developing breast screening and treatment guidelines based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommendations.
• Standardizing pathology reports for consistent and accurate diagnoses.
• Creating an annual awareness and screening calendar featuring community speaking engagements, continuing medical education (CME), and screening forums.

These efforts are part of our ongoing mission to lead the way in breast cancer care. By integrating community outreach with cutting-edge medical practices, we aim to reduce barriers to care and improve early detection rates. Every initiative we undertake reflects our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community. These initiatives are highlighted every October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reinforcing our commitment to proactive care and education.

Personalized breast cancer treatment planning

Once your breast cancer has been diagnosed and classified, your care team will develop a tailored treatment plan. Factors such as the type and stage of cancer and its sensitivity to hormones guide the creation of a plan that addresses your unique needs.

Telfair breast surgery

Telfair Breast Surgery provides women facing breast cancer with the top breast surgeons in the region.  Our certified teams are committed to offering advanced diagnostics, expert surgical options and the latest treatment for every patient’s experience.

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High-risk breast cancer management program

The Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion is taking steps to identify patients that may be at more risk of one day developing breast cancer with a goal to catch it early when it’s more curable. We see these patients at our High-Risk Breast Cancer Management Program.

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Surgical breast cancer treatments

We provide advanced surgical options designed to remove cancer while prioritizing your quality of life:

• Lumpectomy: This procedure removes the tumor and surrounding cancerous tissue while preserving the rest of the breast. In some cases, lymph nodes are also removed. Survival rates for lumpectomies are comparable to those of mastectomies.
• Mastectomy: Involves the removal of the entire breast, often recommended for certain cancer types or stages to prevent recurrence. Following this procedure, patients can explore prosthetic options provided by our breast cancer navigator or discuss breast reconstruction options with their surgeon.

Comprehensive treatment options

In addition to surgery, our multidisciplinary team offers a full range of treatment options, including:

• Chemotherapy: Administered orally or through IV to destroy cancerous cells.
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-powered radiation or radioactive elements to target cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Medications designed to block proteins on cancer cells, inhibiting their growth or causing destruction.

These treatments are part of personalized care plans developed by our team to ensure the best outcomes for each patient. Our goal is to provide treatment options that target the cancer and prioritize your overall health and quality of life. We work to minimize side effects and maximize effectiveness, tailoring each approach to meet your unique needs. We strive to help you achieve the best possible outcomes through advanced therapies and a wholly patient-centered focus.

Screening and early detection

Early detection saves lives. Breast cancer screening starts with a mammogram, which can be scheduled at  multiple convenient locations throughout the region. One of those locations, the Telfair Pavilion, is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. This facility is also part of the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against breast cancer. Regular screenings can identify potential issues before symptoms arise, increasing the chances of successful treatment. With convenient locations and expert staff, we make it easy for you to stay proactive about your breast health.

St. Joseph's/Candler offers mammogram services at multiple convenient locations.