Newly Diagnosed? What You Should Know

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, you're probably thinking hard about what to do next. Educating yourself about cancer and understanding the various treatment options that are explained on these pages is a good start. However, your most important decision is selecting where to get your cancer treated. 
 
Studies have shown that the first treatment you receive for cancer is by far the most important. That's why your first choice in a treatment center needs to be the right one. Patients who begin their treatment at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance often have better outcomes than those who started treatment elsewhere. Not only can you expect the best standard of care available, patients at SCCA have access to advanced therapies and treatments being explored in the more than 30 ongoing clinical trials for breast cancer conducted at SCCA's parent organizations, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine.

 

Everything you need is right here: a world-class team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiology oncologists, and pathologists who specialize in breast cancer. You’ll also find the most advanced diagnostic, treatment, and recovery programs—as well as extensive support to help you cope with your cancer.

 
At SCCA we view treatment as a collaborative effort. Your doctors will discuss all your options and recommend a treatment plan based on your type of cancer and how it’s progressed. We’ll also consider your general health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

 

 
Patient Power Interviews

Many of our doctors have been interviewed on Patient Power, a talk show that connects SCCA medical experts with patients on a variety of topics including treatments for breast cancer. Listen to the web casts below and learn more about the team of doctors dedicated to treating patients with breast cancer.

• Molecular Imaging for Breast Cancer – State-of-the-Art Studies at SCCA, an interview with Dr. David Mankoff, Dr. Hannah Linden and Erin Schubert about state-of-the-art clinical studies for patients with breast cancer.
• Partial Breast Irradiation for Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients, an interview with Dr. Janice Kim, Radiation Oncology specialist, about how Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) is giving some breast cancer patients alternative treatment options.
• Anti-Angiogenic Therapy Inhibiting Tumor Growth in Breast Cancer, an interview with Dr. Julie Gralow, director of Breast Medical Oncology, about inhibiting tumor growth in breast cancer and an explanation of what anti-angiogenic therapy is.
• Targeted Treatments for Breast Cancer, an interview with Dr. Julie Gralow about targeted therapies for breast cancer.