Treating Breast Cancer
At Scott & White, You're Treated as a Person, Not a Diagnosis
- Our Tumor Board Sets Us Apart
As a breast cancer patient at Scott & White, in addition to having a highly experienced Integrated Care Team, you'll also benefit from the expertise of the Scott & White Tumor Board.
Led by senior staff, our multidisciplinary board consists of breast cancer experts who discuss available approaches to care and formulate patient-specific treatment plans. This collaborative treatment planning helps ensure you receive the highest quality, individualized care.
Scott & White’s mission to provide personalized, comprehensive care is the foundation for the Breast Cancer Program. As a patient, you'll benefit from having a multidisciplinary team of specialists — your Integrated Care Team — working together to provide you with the best care possible at all stages of your cancer treatment.
In our team approach, you are at the center of the team. Your Integrated Care Team includes health care professionals from all the specialties and subspecialties involved in your care, which can include:
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Surgical oncology
- Diagnostic radiology
- Pathology
- Genetics
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Oncology social work
- Plastic surgery
- Research
...and any other specialties necessary to your care.
Collaborative Care and Expertise Help Ensure the Best Outcome for You
Sophisticated cancer care takes teamwork. That's why Scott & White promotes a collaborative environment.
Your Integrated Care Team will meet to discuss your specific needs and determine the best treatment options for you to consider. Then your lead physician will talk with you about the team’s recommendations. Together, you and your lead physician can then decide which treatment plan is right for you and your quality of life.
If you'd like, your family can also be involved. For example, we can educate your family members in surveillance — how to watch for significant alterations in your health and how to most effectively communicate those changes to your physician on your behalf, if needed.
Throughout your treatment, your physicians will continue to meet regularly to discuss your care. This ongoing, close collaboration helps ensure the best outcome for you.
Following active treatment, the cancer team will work with you to create the most appropriate follow-up care plan.
Your Treatment Options
Certain tumors respond better to certain treatments. And a combination of methods may be needed to treat and manage your cancer. That's why at Scott & White you'll be cared for by a multidisciplinary Integrated Care Team. Your multidisciplinary team will work with you and each other to determine the best treatment options for you. Treatment options include:
Factors That Impact Your Treatment Options
Generally, your treatment options are based on these factors:
- The stage of your cancer
- The type of cancer
- How fast the tumor is growing
- Hormone levels in the tumor
- Your age and general health