If you have breast cancer and don't know where to begin, start your journey with us. You will have access to therapeutic approaches you won't find anywhere else in the San Diego region.
Nationally Ranked Cancer Care
UC San Diego Health is repeatedly ranked among the nation's best in cancer care by
U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you’ll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers.
Our cancer care is also accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), reflecting our dedication to continuously improving the
quality of our breast cancer care.
Types of Breast Cancer We Treat
Your UC San Diego Health care team treats all types and stages of breast cancer in women and men. We also offer second opinion services.
- Ductal and lobular carcinoma
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and other in situ breast cancers
- HER2 positive breast cancer
- Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Invasive breast cancer
- Recurrent breast cancer
- Triple negative breast cancer
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Your care begins with an accurate and timely diagnosis of your cancer. Read about our nationally recognized breast imaging options.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may receive genetic testing and specialized screenings through our
Breast Cancer High-Risk Program.
Comprehensive, Personalized Treatments
At UC San Diego Health, you’ll find specialists who work together to understand your disease and to develop a treatment strategy that is unique to you. Your care plan may include one or a combination of the following treatment approaches.
Surgery
Increasingly, breast cancer surgery is less invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. More women are also candidates for breast conservation, accomplished through a lumpectomy or segmental mastectomy (removal of only the affected tissue). Our surgeons are also experts in sentinel node biopsy, which can help prevent your cancer from spreading. Should you need a mastectomy, we offer a range of
breast reconstruction options with board-certified plastic surgeons.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is recommended for many patients to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Our radiation oncologists offer the most advanced procedures to precisely kill cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. We were one of the nation's first centers to offer high dose rate brachytherapy via the SAVI applicator. We're also a nationally recognized leader in developing accelerated partial breast irradiation as an alternative to whole breast irradiation for some patients.
Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and Other Medical Therapies
Our understanding of breast cancer, including how genetics contribute to the disease, is advancing rapidly. We now use genetic testing to match drugs to your cancer. If you do need infusion therapy — which is a course of drugs delivered intravenously — you’ll come to our infusion center at the
Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion, the region's only infusion center dedicated to breast cancer care. It offers comfortable chairs with soothing panoramic views of the La Jolla canyons and is a few steps away from our clinics so that you're always close to your doctors and nurses.
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery may include occupational therapy, physical therapy or exercise to help you regain function and range of motion in your arms and upper body. It can also help detect or prevent lymphedema and axillary web syndrome (cording), two common side effects of surgery.
Team Approach
We collaborate with you to deliver world-class care in a compassionate, supportive environment. Your care team may include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, dietitians, social workers, radiologists, breast cancer rehabilitation specialists and other physicians and professionals for your personal care plan.
Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer
In addition to standard approaches, you may qualify for a clinical trial, which can give you early access to the most promising, new therapies and advanced technologies. UC San Diego Health is a national leader in developing clinical trials, expanding your treatment options and giving you access to the latest breast cancer therapies.
Patient and Family Support Services
At UC San Diego Health, your care goes beyond treating disease. It also includes supporting you and your loved ones emotionally during your cancer journey. Most of our support services are free.
Survivorship Program
Your team will stay with you for years through our Survivorship Program. While most surgeons don't follow their patients for very long after surgery, our entire team is involved in your follow-up care for many years.