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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be frightening. At Legacy Cancer Institute, we offer leading, proven treatments that meet the most rigorous national standards. In addition to the region's most recognized breast surgeons and radiation oncologists, our breast cancer team includes nurse navigators to help support and guide you through treatment, and specialists in survivorship and alternative therapies from the Legacy Cancer Healing Center. Our goal is to help women and men with breast cancer go on to lead productive lives as cancer survivors.

 

  • Patient testimonial

    "Dr. Nathalie Johnson was my surgeon, and her vigilance and expert hands were the key factors in my good prognosis."

    - Julie

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    Julie

Award-winning care

Legacy Health has been granted the region's first network accreditation for system excellence in the care of patients with breast cancer and benign breast disease from the ACS National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

Legacy also ranks among the nation's top cancer programs and has received multiple quality awards including the 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons' Commission (ACS) on Cancer. The ACS ranks Legacy's cancer program as one of the best in the nation. See how we compare to our local and national peers.

Leading-edge technology, customized treatments

After diagnosis, the first step is to determine if, and how far, the disease has spread. Then we'll create a personalized treatment plan that may include:

  • Radiation. Legacy was the first in the region to offer brachytherapy (a form of accelerated partial breast irradiation), a more targeted, precise and limited radiation therapy that can often be completed in a single visit. Our radiation oncologists have the most experience of any Oregon health care hospital or health system — 10 years — with brachytherapy, which results in excellent outcomes for our patients. Learn more
  • Surgery. Our leading breast surgeons include Nathalie Johnson, M.D., Angela Lewis-Traylor, M.D., and Jennifer Garreau, M.D. Learn more about their practice, which provides special support for breast cancer patients: Legacy Medical Group-Surgical Oncology. 
  • Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is offered at Legacy campuses across the Portland-Vancouver metro area, so you can stay close to home during your treatment.
  • Clinical trials. Legacy Cancer Institute conducts ongoing clinical trials and research. Search clinical trials.

Sometimes breast cancer can spread to the brain (metastases). For these patients, Legacy Cancer Institute offers Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (knifeless brain surgery) — the gold standard treatment for brain metastases. 

  

Our providers

Nearly 40 doctors, nurse practitioners, genetics specialists, nurse navigators, therapists and patient support staff participate in Legacy Cancer Institute's nationally ranked breast cancer program. Meet your team.

Physician case review

Our multidisciplinary cancer care conferences review complex cases to provide an expert "second opinion" on diagnosis, pre-treatment evaluation, staging, treatment strategy and rehabilitation. The team includes medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, nurses, research coordinators and other cancer care staff.

You're not alone

At the Legacy Cancer Institute we offer services to support every aspect of your treatment including your physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. We offer a wide range of support services to help you and your family. If you need help just ask us, and we'll help you find the support you need.

Nurse navigators

Our personalized support services begin with our nurse navigators. They will help you throughout your treatment, from knowing what to expect to finding the right support services and helping you manage symptoms and treatment side effects.

Support services

In addition, the following support services are also available: