Breast Cancer

Team-Based Breast Cancer Care

The Columbus Regional Health Multidisciplinary Breast Health Program brings together specialists in radiology, pathology, surgery, medical oncology, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and more. This dedicated team meets weekly to review each patient’s unique case and determine the best course of action—so that every diagnosis leads to a coordinated, personalized treatment plan.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but you won’t face it alone. Through this program, you’ll have access to a team of experts, a clear care roadmap, and a personal nurse navigator who will guide you through each step of your journey with compassion and clarity.

How It Works

By bringing multiple specialties together, we are able to coordinate and customize each patient’s treatment. For example: Is a patient a candidate for surgery? Will they require chemotherapy or radiation? Or are hormone therapy or immunotherapy medications more appropriate? All of these options are discussed collaboratively by our multidisciplinary team—right at the time of diagnosis.

One of the greatest benefits of this approach is convenience and peace of mind. Instead of traveling to separate appointments over several days or weeks, patients meet with all the necessary specialists—on the same day, in the same location. This not only saves time, but also provides confidence that everyone involved in your care is on the same page, working together from day one.

Immediately after the team’s review, each specialist meets one-on-one with the patient in a series of focused consultations. A dedicated breast care nurse navigator is there throughout the visit to answer remaining questions, coordinate follow-up appointments and services, and ensure every detail is understood.

Every patient leaves with a binder of information and a clear, personalized treatment plan—crafted by a team of experts, just for them.

Board-Certified Radiologists

Our board-certified radiologists work closely with the Breast Health Services team to interpret exams and work with patients to provide results quickly.

Board-Certified Surgeons

Surgeons from Columbus Regional Health General Surgery work closely with our Breast Health Center and Cancer Center teams to treat patients with breast cancer. These surgeons specialize in removing cancerous tissue from the breast—whether through lumpectomy or mastectomy—and may also perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine whether cancer has spread beyond the breast.

This approach minimizes unnecessary surgery while helping guide the best next steps in your treatment plan.

Board-Certified Oncologists

Our cancer care team includes radiation oncologists and medical oncologists, who work together to provide comprehensive breast cancer care. They work with patients to determine the best treatment option and answer all of their questions to make sure they are comfortable with their plan of care.

Oncology Nurse Navigators

At Columbus Regional Health, we provide patients with access to a dedicated Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator—a highly trained nurse who specializes in breast cancer care and support.

Your nurse navigator will help coordinate your appointments, assist with treatment scheduling, and ensure you’re connected to the right services at the right time. Just as importantly, they serve as a consistent point of contact to help you understand your diagnosis, make informed decisions, and feel supported every step of the way.

With deep knowledge of breast cancer care and treatment pathways, our Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator works closely with your entire care team to make the process as smooth and personalized as possible.

Treatment Options

Surgery

At Columbus Regional Health, our breast surgeons offer a full range of surgical options, tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and personal preferences. Your care team will help determine which approach is best for you.

Breast Conservation

Also known as a lumpectomy, breast conservation surgery removes the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, while preserving the rest of the breast. This option is typically available when the cancer is localized to a smaller area.

To maintain the natural shape of the breast, surgeons may use oncoplastic techniques, which combine cancer removal with cosmetic reshaping. Breast conservation is usually followed by radiation therapy to help prevent recurrence.

Learn more about Breast Conservation

Mastectomy

A mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast and may be recommended when the cancer is large, occurs in multiple areas of the breast, or when a patient chooses this option for personal or medical reasons.

Our surgeons offer skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies when appropriate, helping to preserve as much of the breast’s appearance as possible—especially when paired with reconstruction. Radiation is not always required after a mastectomy, depending on individual risk factors.

Learn more about Mastectomy

Breast Reconstruction

For patients undergoing a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can restore the shape and appearance of the breast. This can be done immediately, during the same surgery as the mastectomy, or delayed until after other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation are complete.

Your surgeon will review your options and help you choose the approach that best fits your goals and overall treatment plan.

Radiation Oncology

Our board-certified radiation oncologists use advanced external-beam radiation systems to destroy residual cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk:

• Whole-breast radiation – standard for many lumpectomy patients.
• Partial-breast therapy (APBI) – targets only the tissue around the lumpectomy cavity, sparing healthy areas.
• Hypofractionated schedules – higher daily dose, typically about 15 treatments instead of the traditional 30–35, providing equal cancer control with greater convenience.

Medical Oncology

Some breast cancers need systemic (whole-body) treatment in addition to, or instead of, surgery and radiation. Our medical oncologists design a regimen based on your tumor’s genetics and stage:

• Chemotherapy – given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after (adjuvant) to destroy microscopic disease.
• Hormone (endocrine) therapy – pills or injections that block estrogen/progesterone in hormone-receptor–positive cancers.
• Targeted therapies – drugs that home in on specific tumor markers such as HER2.
• Immunotherapy – bolsters your immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, used for select subtypes.

Your care team meets regularly to fine-tune the sequence and combination of these therapies so that you receive the most effective, least disruptive treatment plan possible.

Our Team