Breast Cancer
The Northwest Breast Center
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. The www.breastcancer.org site is an exceptional resource for women with breast cancer. We encourage women seeking more information about breast cancer to visit this site. A more succinct primer on breast cancer, written as a textbook chapter by PSNW surgeon Christopher Pannucci, MD, is available below.
Treatment & Procedures For Breast Cancer Patients
Care for breast cancer patients requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Many different types of physicians and providers care for breast cancer patients. These include breast surgical oncologists, breast medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and reconstructive plastic surgeons—in addition to social workers and genetic counselors. Plastic Surgery Northwest is well-established in the community, and we have a long-standing, positive relationship with other providers in the community who treat breast cancer patients.
Northwest Breast Center & Tumor Boards
The Inland Northwest has several well-established breast cancer tumor board meetings. These multi-disciplinary meetings allow different specialties to come to the table and discuss the care of breast cancer patients from their own unique perspectives. The care pathway for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, or recurrent disease, is discussed at these meetings. This open and inclusive discussion leverages the extensive experience of local physicians in the treatment of breast cancer.
A Partner of Inland Northwest Cancer Care Community
Plastic Surgery Northwest is a committed partner with the Inland Northwest cancer care community. We regularly attend local breast cancer tumor boards in person, and virtually attend other tumor boards (like those in the Tri-Cities) as well. We advocate for reconstructive surgery as an integral part of the breast cancer journey, and work to seamlessly integrate our procedures into women overall cancer care pathway.
Learn More About Breast Cancer Treatments
Breast cancer care is individualized but may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. These are described in subsequent pages.
Related Content
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Resources & Community
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Research & News
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Woman’s Health Rights and Cancer
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Recurrence of Cancer
