There are a variety of treatment options for breast cancer, including:

• Surgical treatment, including breast conservation  (lumpectomy) or mastectomy with reconstruction
• Sentinel node biopsy
• Drug therapy: chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological/antibody therapy
• Radiation therapy

After-treatment care options for breast cancer include:

• Multiple Options for Breast Reconstruction
• Breast Prosthesis
• Psychological Support
• Monitoring of bone density, fertility and other aspects of long term health, with appropriate interventions based on the latest evidence

Throughout after-treatment care, you may turn to our educational and counseling staff and support groups to assist in your learning and participation. These are people who believe taking care of you involves looking at the whole person. We also encourage you and your family to use whatever resources you might need to assure your physical and emotional wellbeing. To address such a wide range of concerns, we offer:

• Close communication with your primary care physician to weigh the pros and cons of different diagnostics and treatments.  

• Counseling for both you and those close to you
• Educational meetings to gain insight and understanding about breast cancer
• Support groups that allow you to learn and be comforted by the experiences of others that are coping with similar conditions
• A reference library of informative tapes and literature
• Referrals to additional specialists as needed

Patient Participation

At USC Norris Cancer Hospital, we firmly believe that our patients should be partners in their health care – not simply subjects of it. Throughout your treatment regimen, we strongly encourage your active participation, as well as the participation of your primary physician. We want you to be involved every step of the way and to learn all you can. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make well-informed choices for your care.