Breast cancer
Breast cancer care in Thousand Oaks, California
The impact of breast cancer can be life-changing, so our staff are here for treatment and support.
At Los Robles Regional Medical Center, our cancer specialists are equipped to provide innovative medical, surgical and radiation oncology. We believe early detection is crucial, so we emphasize the importance of regular mammograms.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Symptoms of breast cancer
In its earliest stages, breast cancer may not have any signs or symptoms. However, as it grows, it can cause visual changes, such as:
- Blood or unknown nipple discharge
- Breast or underarm lumps
- Flaky, red or swollen breast skin
- Nipples that suddenly turns inward
- Pain in the breast or nipple
- Puckering of the skin
Breast cancer services we offer
Our priority is to provide you and your family with supportive care. If you have breast cancer, treatment may depend on your stage of cancer.
Types of breast cancer
Cancer begins with normal cells in the body, which grow, divide and form new cells. When cells become old or damaged, they die. However, with cancer, they multiply too quickly, and old or damaged cells do not die. The excess cells that do not die form an abnormal mass in the breast. The two sites for breast cancer development are either in the ducts or in the milk-producing lobules.
Breast cancer can be either noninvasive or invasive. Invasive breast cancer occurs when the cancer cells break away from the original tumor. These cells can enter blood or lymph vessels and travel to other parts of the body. They can attach to tissue elsewhere and form new tumors. Noninvasive breast cancer means the disease is confined to the area where it began.
Breast imaging and diagnostics
Our imaging center is available for outpatient diagnostic medical imaging, which includes specially designed pads for a more comfortable mammogram screening experience. Some of the services we provide include:
- 3D mammography
- Advanced biopsy techniques
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Breast ultrasound
- Digital mammography
Mammogram screenings
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in this country. Though it is rare, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer as well, accounting for approximately one percent of breast cancer cases in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mammograms remain the best way to detect breast cancer before it progresses. Early detection is key because breast cancer is most easily treated in this early phase.
Today's imaging technology can find a tumor up to three years before it can be felt manually. The American Cancer Society recommends women keep the following schedules for mammograms and clinical breast exams:
- At 20 years old, begin having your breasts examined by a medical professional at least every three years.
- At 40 years old, begin having a screening mammogram and a clinical breast exam every year.
For your convenience, you can now schedule a screening mammogram online.
Breast cancer treatment options
We are proud to have received accreditation from the National Accreditation for Breast Centers (NAPBC), recognizing our breast cancer program's commitment to exceeding national standards in multidisciplinary breast cancer care. Our hospital is the first in Eastern Ventura county to receive this designation.
Our treatment options fall into three categories. These include:
- Medical oncology — Medical oncology focuses on using nonsurgical methods for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- Radiation oncology — With radiation oncology, we use quality team approach and the latest in brain stereotactic radiosurgery.
- Surgery — Depending on your type and stage of cancer, we use complex microsurgery to remove tumors, and also perform breast reconstruction after your cancer has been removed.
Breast cancer support and community outreach
We provide you with valuable resources to promote breast cancer awareness and advance your education on the topic. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations in our community to provide lectures, outreach and breast cancer support.
Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community is dedicated to providing support, education and hope to those affected by cancer. As part of their services, they offer a variety of resources, including support groups, counseling, education and healthy lifestyle programs such as meditation and yoga.
Look Good Feel Better program
The American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program is designed to help women experiencing breast cancer improve their appearance and self-image through beauty techniques that help manage the side effects that chemotherapy and radiation can have on the skin.
Lymphedema support group
If you or a loved one has lymphedema, join us on the last Wednesday of every month, excluding December, for our monthly support group. To make a reservation, call (805) 370-4001.
Pink Ribbon Partners
We offer support through our Pink Ribbon Partner volunteers. To be a Pink Ribbon Partner volunteer, you must be a breast cancer survivor who has gone through the hospital’s orientation program, as well as a special training with our breast center nurse navigator.
After your training is complete, you're ready to be paired with someone also going through treatment at the hospital. The support and relationships that are built through our program add comfort that extends beyond a hospital stay.
Our breast cancer specialists
We want to create the best possible treatment plan for you, so our cancer care approach is rooted in the leadership of dedicated specialists who meet weekly to review all new admissions and determine the direction of care.
Multidisciplinary care team
Effective cancer care goes beyond traditional treatment methods, and requires the input and expertise of a wide range of specialists to provide support for you and your family. Our team of specialists includes:
- Lymphedema therapists
- Medical oncologists
- Nurse navigators
- Palliative care nurses
- Pathologists
- Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
- Psychosocial specialists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Surgeons
Nurse navigators
A nurse navigator acts as a guiding figure on the breast cancer team who is there to offer ongoing support for you and your loved ones. Their role is to accompany you through every step of your cancer journey and provide you with information to make the best possible decision about your treatment choices.
Nutrition and breast cancer
In this video from the "Power of Pink" symposium event, we show you a variety of recipes to incorporate into your diet during your breast cancer journey.