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Breast Cancer Care at Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel provides comprehensive, compassionate breast cancer care for patients at every stage — from screening and diagnosis to treatment, recovery and survivorship.

Call 614-546-HOPE
breast cancer care at mount carmel

Breast Cancer Care at Mount Carmel

Our breast cancer program brings together breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, plastic surgeons, genetic counselors, nurse navigators and support services to help guide your care.

Breast cancer affects one in every eight women during her lifetime. With the compassionate ambition of reducing the impact of breast cancer, Mount Carmel offers a dedicated program of comprehensive care and treatment for all forms and stages of the disease.

Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care, From Diagnosis Through Recovery

Mount Carmel offers a wide range of services for breast health and breast cancer through our comprehensive breast health program. Whether you need education about breast self-awareness, an annual mammogram, diagnostic testing after an abnormal result or treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis, Mount Carmel offers coordinated care centered around your needs.

If an abnormality is found, our team provides a seamless system of care designed to make a diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment as early as possible. Through Mount Carmel physicians, mammographers, breast health navigators and oncology nurse navigators, patients can receive education, testing results, care coordination and specialty physician referrals.

To learn more or to speak with an Oncology Nurse Navigator, call 614-546-HOPE.
 

Breast Cancer Services and Resources

Use the links below to find the right breast cancer or breast health service.

  • Breast Health
    Learn about Mount Carmel’s comprehensive breast health program, including prevention, screening, diagnostic services and nurse navigation.
  • Mammography
    Schedule an annual screening mammogram or learn more about early detection.
  • Diagnostic Procedures
    Find information about follow-up testing after an abnormal mammogram or breast concern.
  • Dense Breast Tissue
    Learn how dense breast tissue can affect screening and why additional imaging may be recommended.
  • Breast Imaging Nurse Navigators
    Get support after abnormal breast screening results or when diagnostic evaluation is needed.
  • Breast Cancer Treatment Options
    Learn about surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and other treatment options
  • Cancer Resources
    Find information about oncology nurse navigators, survivorship services, the Cancer Care Boutique, support programs and more.

Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Early detection is one of the most important parts of breast cancer care. Mount Carmel’s breast health services include mammography, diagnostic imaging, breast health education and nurse navigation.

Mount Carmel recommends annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40. If you are experiencing a new breast concern — such as a lump, focal pain, nipple discharge or other changes — call 614-234-7400 to determine the most appropriate next step.

If additional evaluation is needed, your care team may recommend diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI, biopsy or other diagnostic procedures. Breast Imaging Nurse Navigators can help explain your results, coordinate follow-up testing and connect you with the right resources.

Schedule your mammogram

After a breast cancer diagnosis, your primary care provider may refer you to a breast cancer specialist. This specialist will review your cancer type, stage, overall health and goals to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Your treatment plan may include:
 

  • Surgery
  • Lumpectomy
  • Mastectomy
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node assessment
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Breast reconstruction
  • Supportive care and survivorship services

At Mount Carmel, each individualized treatment plan is reviewed by a multidisciplinary breast team. This team meets weekly and includes breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, plastic surgeons, a genetic counselor, mammographers, research nurses and a nurse navigator.

Learn more about breast cancer treatment options.
 

Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery may be part of a breast cancer treatment plan depending on the size, location and stage of the cancer, as well as your age, overall health and personal preferences.

Common surgical options may include:

  • Lumpectomy
    A lumpectomy, also called breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy, removes the cancerous area of the breast along with a margin of surrounding tissue. In many patients, lumpectomy is followed by radiation therapy.
  • Mastectomy
    A mastectomy removes the entire breast. There are several types of mastectomy, and your surgeon will recommend the approach that best fits your cancer type, health and treatment goals.
  • Lymph Node Assessment
    Some patients may need a sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
     

Learn more about surgical treatments for breast cancer.
 

Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy

Breast cancer treatment may include one or more therapies depending on the type and stage of cancer.

  • Radiation Therapy
    Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells that may remain in the breast or chest area after surgery. Mount Carmel offers options such as hypofractionated radiation therapy, prone breast radiation and breath-hold gating treatment for certain patients.
  • Chemotherapy
    Chemotherapy uses medicines to weaken and destroy cancer cells throughout the body. It may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or when cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
  • Hormone Therapy
    Some breast cancers use estrogen or progesterone to grow. Hormone therapy may be used for estrogen receptor-positive or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancers to block or lower hormone activity.


Learn more about breast cancer treatment options.


Breast Reconstruction Options

Breast reconstruction is a personal decision. Some patients choose reconstruction after a mastectomy, while others decide not to have additional surgery or choose to use a breast prosthesis.

Breast reconstruction may be done during breast cancer surgery or at a later time. Options may include implant-based reconstruction, tissue expanders, flap reconstruction or nipple reconstruction. Your care team and plastic surgeon can help you understand which options may be appropriate for you.

Learn more about breast reconstruction options.
 

 

Your Breast Cancer Care Team

Expertise is critical when it comes to breast cancer care. Mount Carmel’s Breast Disease Management Team includes the disciplines needed to provide comprehensive, coordinated care, including:
 

  • Breast surgeons
  • Medical oncologists
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Plastic surgeons
  • Radiologists
  • Pathologists
  • Genetic counselors
  • Mammographers
  • Research nurses
  • Nurse navigators
  • Nutrition specialists
  • Physical and occupational therapy experts


At Mount Carmel, your team communicates with one another every step of the way. Breast cancer cases are reviewed through an interdisciplinary breast cancer case review conference, giving patients the input of a coordinated cancer care team.
 

Oncology Nurse Navigators and Support

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring many questions. Mount Carmel’s nurse navigators are here to help patients and families understand the care process and access the support they need.
 

  • Breast Imaging Nurse Navigators
    Breast Imaging Nurse Navigators help patients who receive abnormal breast screening results. They can explain results, help coordinate diagnostic evaluation or biopsy, communicate with your doctor and connect you with helpful resources.
  • Oncology Nurse Navigators
    Oncology Nurse Navigators support patients after a cancer diagnosis. They can help you understand the care system, coordinate appointments, connect with clinical specialists, provide emotional support and identify assistance, transportation or cost-saving resources.
     

To learn more or to speak with an Oncology Nurse Navigator, call 614-546-HOPE.

Additional Patient Resources:

Breast Cancer Support Groups

Explore Cancer Resources

Hot and Bothered: Dealing with Early Menopause

Breast cancer treatment can trigger early menopause and symptoms that impact daily life. Through Living Beyond Breast Cancer, this video explores honest experiences, challenges, and practical ways survivors manage menopause while living beyond breast cancer.

Managing Long Term Side Effects of Breast Cancer

Life after treatment can come with lasting physical and emotional side effects. Through Living Beyond Breast Cancer, this video highlights real survivor experiences and practical strategies for managing long term side effects while continuing to heal and thrive beyond breast cancer.

 

Self Care after Breast Cancer

Self care can look different after breast cancer. Through Living Beyond Breast Cancer, this video explores how survivors are nurturing their physical, emotional, and mental well being—and redefining self care as an essential part of life beyond breast cancer.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in breast tissue. It can vary by type, stage and how it responds to treatment.

Common signs may include a breast lump, skin changes, nipple changes, nipple discharge, breast pain, swelling or changes in breast shape. If you notice a new breast concern, contact your provider.

Breast cancer may be diagnosed through screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy or other testing recommended by your care team.

If an abnormality is found, Mount Carmel can help coordinate diagnostic testing and follow-up care. Breast Imaging Nurse Navigators can help explain results, coordinate evaluation and connect you with additional resources.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, reconstruction and supportive care. Your treatment plan depends on your cancer type, stage, overall health and personal goals.

A lumpectomy removes the cancerous area of the breast with a margin of surrounding tissue. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. Your surgeon will discuss which option may be appropriate for your diagnosis.

Yes. Breast reconstruction may be available during breast cancer surgery or later. Options may include implants, tissue expanders, flap reconstruction or nipple reconstruction.

To learn more or speak with an Oncology Nurse Navigator, call 614-546-HOPE.