Breast cancer

Breast cancer treatment in Ventura and Los Angeles counties

Los Robles Health System's breast cancer specialists know how important it is for you to have the most current information regarding breast health. We are proud to be recognized as the first breast center within Ventura County accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

To find a physician specializing in breast cancer, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® line at (877) 888-5746.

Our team of breast care specialists

At Los Robles, our priority is to provide you and your family with the most supportive care to manage and treat breast cancer. Our cancer care approach includes medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

Our team also includes a nurse navigator, palliative care nurse, lymphedema therapists and psychosocial support for the patient and family. We meet weekly to review all newly diagnosed breast cancer cases and to create the best treatment plan for each patient.

What is a nurse navigator?

A nurse navigator is an essential member of our breast center team who provides ongoing guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Their role is to accompany the patient through every step of their cancer journey and provide them with information to make the best possible decision about treatment choices.

Types of breast cancer

Cancer starts with normal cells in the body. Normal cells grow, divide and form new cells, and when cells become old or damaged, they die. With cancer, however, cells multiply too quickly, and old or damaged cells do not die. The excess cells that do not die form an abnormal mass that becomes cancerous.

The two sites for breast cancer development are either in the ducts known as ductal cancer or in the milk-producing lobules known as lobular cancer.

Breast cancer can be either noninvasive or invasive. Invasive breast cancer occurs when the cancer cells break away from the original tumor. These cells can enter blood or lymph vessels and travel to other parts of the body and can attach to tissue elsewhere and form new tumors. Noninvasive breast cancer means the disease is confined to the area where it began, such as in a duct or a milk-producing lobule.

Breast cancer symptoms

In its earliest stages, breast cancer may not have any signs or symptoms. As it grows, however, it can cause changes that are visual, such as:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
• A dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Pain in the breast or nipple
• Flaky, red or swollen skin anywhere on the breast
• A nipple that suddenly turns inward
• Blood or other discharge from the nipple (not related to breastfeeding)

Any of the above could be caused by something other than cancer, but it is best to let your doctor check it out.

The importance of mammogram screening

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mammograms remain the best way to detect breast cancer before it progresses. Early detection is key because breast cancer is most easily treated in this early phase. Today's imaging technology can find a tumor up to three years before it can be felt manually.

The American Cancer Society recommends women keep the following schedules for mammograms and clinical breast exams:

• At 20 years old, begin having your breasts examined by a medical professional at least every three years.
• At 40 years old, begin having a screening mammogram and a clinical breast exam every year.

Los Robles Imaging Center in Moorpark is pleased to offer outpatient diagnostic medical imaging which includes specially designed pads for a more comfortable mammogram screening experience. As part of our women's care services, detection and imaging services include:

• 3D mammography
• Advanced biopsy techniques
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Digital mammography

Breast cancer treatment options

We serve our patients with the best treatment for their breast health, such as:

• Medical oncology: We offer the most current treatment regimens for breast cancer and clinical trial opportunities.
• Radiation oncology: Our services include a quality team approach and the latest in brain stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Surgery: We have a surgical team you can depend on to provide the latest state-of-the-art procedures, including microsurgical techniques by fellowship-trained physicians in reconstruction.

Breast cancer facts

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in this country. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in women in the U.S. in 2021. In 2021, approximately 43,600 U.S. women are expected to die from breast cancer.

Men can be diagnosed with breast cancer as well. Breast cancer in men is a rare disease that accounts for approximately 1 percent of breast cancer cases in the U.S.

Throughout the past 20 to 25 years, there has been significant progress in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The overall survival rate is now better than 90 percent when breast cancer is found in its earliest stages.

Breast cancer support and community outreach

We offer you with valuable resources to promote breast cancer awareness and advance education. We collaborate with organizations in our community to provide year-round lectures, outreach and breast cancer support to our patients.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, classes are canceled at this time. We hope you enjoy these educational videos from our virtual 2020 "Power of Pink" symposium event below.

Pink ribbon partners

We offer support for patients diagnosed with breast cancer through our Pink Ribbon Partner Volunteers. To be a Pink Ribbon Partner Volunteer, you must be a breast cancer survivor who has gone through the hospital’s orientation program as well as a special training with our Breast Center nurse navigator.

After your training is complete, you're ready to be paired with a patient who is going through a similar experience. The support and relationships that are built through our program add comfort to our patients that extends beyond their hospital stay.

Look Good Feel Better

The American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program is designed to help female cancer patients improve their appearance and self-image through beauty techniques that help manage the side effects that chemotherapy and radiation have on the skin.

Cancer Support Community

Cancer Support Community is dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer. As part of their services, they offer a variety of resources, which includes support groups, counseling, education and healthy lifestyle programs such as meditation and yoga.

Lymphedema support group

If you or a loved one has lymphedema, join us on the last Wednesday of every month, excluding December, for our monthly support group. To make a reservation, call (805) 370-4001.