Breast cancer
Breast cancer care in Central Denver
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, we offer you supportive, personalized care.
We are HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at HCA HealthONE Rose. Our compassionate breast cancer specialists are proud to provide you with access to leading-edge clinical trials, oncology resources and advanced treatments.
Screening mammogram
You can now schedule a screening mammogram online.
You can now schedule a screening mammogram online.
Breast cancer treatments and services
We understand that a breast cancer diagnosis (or even a lump in your breast!) can feel scary. At Rose Women’s Hospital, we combine cutting-edge care with compassion. From early detection and genetic testing to advanced surgical options, you will receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Whether you're newly diagnosed, high-risk, or seeking a second opinion, our team of experts is here to help you and guide you through every step of your journey.
Features of the HCA HealthONE Rose breast health program
- Focus on restoring the natural look and feel of the breast to help women (in body and in mind)
- Specialize in nipple–sparing mastectomies
- Breast resensation procedure – among the first hospital in Colorado to offer this groundbreaking procedure
- Techniques to minimize scarring
- Many options for breast reconstruction, as well as aesthetic flat closure
- Single–stage breast reconstruction: combines cancer removal and reconstruction into one convenient procedure, often with same–day discharge
- High–risk patient support: including genetic testing and counseling, personalized screening plans, regular monitoring, and compassionate guidance for women with elevated risk
- Pregnancy– and postpartum–associated breast concerns
- Special considerations and counseling for patients under 50 years old
- Second opinion clinic
- Dedicated breast cancer navigator for patients
- Whole–person approach combined with relationship-based care
Surgery to treat breast cancer
Our breast cancer surgeons are experienced in the latest procedures and strive to use the least invasive methods possible.
Lumpectomy
Removes only the cancerous tissue from the breast, leaving the rest of the breast intact; oncoplastic lumpectomy combines cancer removal with cosmetic techniques for preserving the shape of the breast
Breast reduction lumpectomy
A plastic surgeon and breast surgeon work together to remove the cancerous tissue and perform a breast reduction, conserving the breast and creating postsurgical symmetry
Mastectomy
Removes the breast to treat breast cancer; there are many types of mastectomy surgery, including:
- Simple or total mastectomy
- Modified radical mastectomy
- Nipple–sparing mastectomy
- Skin–sparing mastectomy
- Prophylactic mastectomy
Hidden scar breast surgery
Uses an incision in an inconspicuous area to remove cancerous tissue while minimizing visible scarring
Wire-free breast surgery
Prior to the surgery date, breast radiologists will place a small reflector into the cancerous area in the breast to help the breast surgeon and pathologist correctly identify the cancerous area during surgery.
Sentinel node biopsy
The sentinel nodes are the most likely to have cancer in them if your cancer has spread outside the breast tissue. These lymph nodes will be removed during surgery to assess if your cancer has spread to the local lymph nodes.
Radiation therapies for breast cancer
We focus on providing high-quality, collaborative, patient-centered cancer care using the most advanced radiation therapies available, including:
External beam radiation (EBRT)
Delivers high–dose radiation to the targeted area from an angle, shaping the radiation beam to the exact dimensions and contour of the target to protect healthy tissue in the surrounding area. Most common form of radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Prone breast radiation
Prone breast radiation is a unique way to administer EBRT. The board is designed to position patients on their stomachs, so healthy breast tissue is isolated away from the body. It also minimizes radiation to the surrounding organs such as the heart and lungs.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI)
This type of radiation therapy targets a part of the breast where a tumor has been surgically removed. Often used for women who have had breast-conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer, this treatment minimizes damage to the surrounding heart, lungs, ribs, muscles, and skin. This treatment is typically delivered over a shorter course (i.e. 5 days).
Hypofractionated radiation therapy
Women with early-stage breast cancer typically receive hypofractionated radiation therapy treatment after a lumpectomy (surgery performed to remove the breast tumor). This treatment plan involves administering more radiation therapy at one time, giving the patient fewer appointments and a shorter course of treatment. The treatment plan aims to reduce side effects and reactions in the skin and also has the benefit of being more convenient for patients.
Deep inspiration breath-holding technique (DIBH)
Delivers radiotherapy to the breast, in order to protect the heart and lungs from radiation. During this treatment, the patient takes a deep breath and holds it while the radiation is delivered. When the breath is drawn, the lungs fill with air, moving the heart away from the chest and decreasing the amount of radiation the heart receives.
Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT)
Involves a patient completing an entire dose of radiation therapy during their lumpectomy surgery
Medical oncology for breast cancer
There are many options for treating breast cancer and you may even try multiple methods, including various medications administered in different ways.
Chemotherapy
Uses cancer-killing drugs that are injected or given orally
Scalp cooling/hair loss prevention
Uses cold to narrow blood vessels in the scalp, reducing the amount of medication that reaches the hair, thereby lowering the possibility of hair loss
Hormone therapy
Slows or stops the growth of the tumor by blocking the production of hormones or interfering with the hormonal effects on the cancer cells; some forms of breast cancer respond to this therapy
Immunotherapy
Uses drugs that stimulate the immune system to identify and kill cancer cells; some forms of breast cancer respond to this therapy
Targeted therapy
Targets changes in the cells that cause cancer
Staging and lymph node involvement
Using imaging tools and biopsy, we will determine if and how much cancer has spread to create the least invasive and most effective treatment plan
Oncology rehabilitation
At our on–site oncology rehab clinic, you can receive physical therapy and occupational therapy at any stage of your cancer treatment. We aim to ease symptoms, increase function, and improve quality of life through the program. Fully customized to your unique needs, aspects of cancer rehabilitation include:
- Battling cancer-related fatigue
- Energy conservation
- Fall prevention
- Improving balance
- Improving memory and thinking
- Overcoming weakness
- Walking and stair safety
Interdisciplinary cancer care
Cancer treatments can leave an impact on your body. Our women's hospital is dedicated to staying proactive for women undergoing cancer treatments. With the highest level of patient service and personalized treatment, we offer unique programs across disciplines to provide advanced care for complex health situations.
Cardio-oncology
Our cardiology experts evaluate and treat you if you are at risk of heart disease before, during, and after your treatment for cancer. An example of our multidisciplinary care, this cardio–oncology program is designed to ensure all aspects of your health are considered when designing your treatment plan.
Oncofertility for women
Our oncofertility program hosts a multidisciplinary team of experts and provides counseling and planning for women of childbearing age facing cancer treatment. We also offer multiple options for women facing cancer-related infertility and create a plan for each woman based on her type and extent of cancer. We know timing is crucial for fertility, so our expert reproductive endocrinologist provides priority appointments and discounted treatment options to recently diagnosed cancer patients seeking to preserve their fertility.
Young women’s program
When a woman who is 40 years old or younger is diagnosed with breast cancer, she faces unique challenges. At Rose, one in five women treated are in this stage of life, and 10% of breast surgeries are performed on women between 18 and 44 years old. During this time, many women build careers, complete school and start a family. We want to meet you where you are.
We provide individualized, comprehensive care based on the latest evidence-based research. Our program often includes:
- Clinical trials
- Fertility services
- Genetic counseling
- Integrative medicine
- Nutrition
- Rehab/exercise
- Support services
About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network
Fighting cancer takes a team
HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.
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