Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer recurrence is a concern for many survivors and family members. Join Dr. Bachir Sakr to learn the risk facts for recurrence, the latest research advancements, and how individuals can navigate this part of the cancer journey with knowledge, preparedness, and support.

Triple-negative breast cancer presents unique challenges. Dr. Prarthna Bhardwaj, Hematology/Oncology, Baystate Regional Cancer Program, provides a detailed look into its diagnosis, treatment strategies, and how to navigate its complexities.

When a person is at higher risk for breast cancer or has dense breasts, the frequency of mammography and the procedures of detection can vary. Dr. Vivian Miller, Radiologist, Baystate Health, discusses mammograms vs MRIs, screening dense breasts, and expert recommendations for early detection of breast cancer.

When breast cancer is diagnosed, it’s important to get as much information as possible. To help find out where and if the cancer has spread, lymph nodes can be removed and checked and, in some cases, more lymph nodes may be removed. Dr. Holly Mason, Breast Surgeon, Chief of Breast Surgery, Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialist, discusses lymph node surgery when diagnosing and treating breast cancer.

After getting a mammogram, it’s common to receive a callback which can be stressful and worrisome. Dr. Folashade Ajegba, Radiology at Baystate Health, discusses mammography, what a radiologist is looking for, why you might get a callback, what happens next and why the additional information you receive from a callback is a good thing.

Treatment options for breast cancer can include surgery as part of the full treatment plan. Dr. Jesse Casaubon, Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists, discusses the options for a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, the potential differences, factors determining the surgery, surgical techniques, cosmetic results, and recovery.

The treatment of breast cancer has evolved from a “one size fits all” approach to “precision medicine.” This means we now can tailor medical treatment based on the genetic personality of an individual’s cancer. Dr. Prarthna Bhardwaj, Hematology/Oncology, Baystate Regional Cancer Program, discusses how molecular testing impacts targeted treatments and the advances that have been made.