Breast cancer
Breast cancer is most common in women, but can also affect men. Often, it's detected after finding a lump in the breast or a noticeable change in the size, shape or skin of the breast. Mammograms are crucial for diagnosis, early detection and more effective treatments.
Breast cancer center in Inverness
We understand a breast cancer diagnosis can be scary and leave you with many questions and concerns.
At HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, you can trust our highly skilled team to answer these questions and address these concerns. They will be with you every step of the way and provide you with information you need to make important decisions. No matter what your needs are, our team of compassionate physicians, oncologists and specialists are on your side. We will work together to provide you with a high level of care, from breast cancer screening to treatment and recovery.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Breast cancer treatment
Our breast oncology team is trained in providing an array of specialized breast cancer treatments which include:
- Breast reconstruction
- Cancer surgery (including lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Our breast cancer services
Our wide range of breast cancer services includes:
Breast cancer screening and diagnosis
Breast cancer screening is an important aspect of being proactive about your breast health. It is often the first step in early detection and treatment of breast cancer, which leads to improved outcomes.
We are proud to be named a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. We earned the distinction by receiving accreditation for all our breast imaging procedures, including digital and 3D mammography.
As a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center, we provide a full spectrum of breast imaging services, including:
- Digital mammography and 3D mammography
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast density assessment
- Breast tissue biopsy techniques
- Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography
If the results of your imaging tests indicate breast cancer, we will perform a breast biopsy to determine the type of cancer you have. Next, your physician will provide you with a swift and accurate diagnosis. This will be followed by a personalized plan for treatment.
Mammograms
A mammogram is a diagnostic imaging method. It uses low-dose X-rays to take images of the breast tissue to show any abnormalities or disease. Mammograms are often the first line of defense in detecting breast cancer early.
When to get a breast cancer screening
HCA Florida Healthcare recommends the following screenings by age and risk category:
- 20 years old and older: perform self-exams monthly and promptly report any changes to your physician
- 20 to 40 years old: get a breast exam by your physician every three years
- 40 years old and older: get a mammogram and breast exam by your physician every year
We encourage you to talk with your physician regularly about your breast health starting as early as 25 years old. Discuss your individualized risk for breast cancer with them, and, if you are at higher risk, ask about genetic counseling or early screenings.
Breast cancer surgery
The goal of breast cancer surgery is simple — remove the cancer, identify the stage of cancer and determine if further therapy or treatment is needed.
Mastectomy vs. lumpectomy
Breast cancer can be surgically removed with a mastectomy or lumpectomy procedure. A mastectomy is the complete removal of all breast tissue, and a lumpectomy is the removal of part of the breast tissue. The lumpectomy is the less invasive option of the two procedures, but may not be appropriate in all instances.
Nurse navigator
Our experienced, compassionate breast cancer nurse navigator supports patients and their caregivers as they go through cancer treatment and living with cancer.
The nurse navigator is a patient’s medical system advocate and will help patients and their families understand each part of their cancer journey while compassionately supporting physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
The navigator may help with understanding the diagnosis and available treatment options, providing education and linking patients with available resources. The navigator will also coordinate care across multiple disciplines, including surgeons, medical oncologists, support groups and physical/lymphedema therapists.