Breast cancer treatment

An expert team dedicated to you

At Sharp, you're not just our patient, you're our partner. Throughout your care, you’ll collaborate closely with our highly skilled team of breast cancer experts:

• Medical oncologists who provide chemotherapy and immunotherapy

• Radiation oncologists who provide radiation therapy

• Surgeons who specialize in breast surgery

• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons

• Patient navigators to support you from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up

• Registered dietitians and nutritionists

• Licensed clinical social workers to help you through your cancer experience

• Genetic counselors to help determine your risk for developing other cancers

• Rehabilitation therapists

And to ensure you're receiving the very best treatment, a team of physicians and specialists meet regularly to discuss diagnosis and your individualized approach to treatment.

Breast cancer treatment designed to meet your needs

Every breast cancer experience is different. We offer comprehensive, innovative treatment options tailored to you. Once you complete treatment, you can expect comprehensive, long-term monitoring — including follow-up mammography and other radiology services.

Treatment may include:

• Surgery and reconstruction — We offer breast cancer surgery using the latest surgical techniques, including autologous tissue reconstruction, nipple-sparing, and skin-sparing mastectomies with implant-based reconstruction.

• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy— Medication that either targets cancer cells directly or harnesses your immune system to attack cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy — Radiation that precisely targets cancerous tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. 

• Accelerated partial breast irradiation — A form of radiation therapy that gives a larger daily dose of radiation over a shorter time to only part of the breast with cancer, rather than the entire breast. This type of radiation can be delivered with either external beam radiation or brachytherapy (a temporary radiation implant).

• Deep inspiration breath hold — Provides left-sided breast cancer patients maximum heart protection during radiation treatment.

• Clinical trials – Access to new therapies and treatments through our Clinical Trials Program.

In addition, Sharp is proud to offer San Diego’s most comprehensive lymphedema prevention and therapy program. Before, during and after treatment, our team works with you to prevent or treat breast cancer related lymphedema.

Support for you and your loved ones

Care at Sharp goes beyond treating cancer. We provide support and education with you and your loved ones in mind, every step of the way. Our comprehensive patient resources include:

• Breast cancer support groups

• “Chemo brain” and cognitive resources

• Connections to community assistance, including financial support

• Integrative therapies, such as massage and acupuncture

• Nutrition counseling

• Translation services

• Transportation assistance

Be informed and empowered

At Sharp, we believe the more you know about breast cancer, the more empowered you’ll feel during treatment and recovery. We offer comprehensive educational resources so that you’re prepared for the next step.

See our breast cancer diagnosis and treatment guide for informative videos and other information about what to expect.