Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally, leading to tumors that may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Every year, more than 310,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the second most common cause of cancer in women, accounting for one in three new diagnoses per year, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women. And while breast cancer occurs primarily in women, men can get breast cancer, too.
Yet every breast cancer patient is different and deserves a personalized approach. If you are worried that you or a loved one may be dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, you are not alone. We can help. At Tampa General, we’re with you every step of the way – from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.
The Tampa General Difference
We know there is a lot to consider when you’re navigating a health issue like breast cancer. There are a few key elements that allow Tampa General to stand out in the breast cancer treatment landscape.
Tampa General is among the highest-volume programs in the state for treating breast cancer patients who require a hospital stay. This means we care for more inpatient breast cancer patients and administer more treatments for these patients than almost any other healthcare system in Florida.
The TGH Breast Cancer Center offers comprehensive diagnostics and individualized treatments to deliver the highest level of care for breast cancer patients. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists includes surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, geneticists, plastic surgeons and physical therapists to help get every patient the best treatment. Our team collaborates with you to design a treatment plan with your quality of life in mind. Dedicated breast cancer nurse navigators offer support to patients and their loved ones throughout the continuum of care.
The TGH Breast Cancer Center is proud to be accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), administered by the American College of Surgeons. This recognition reflects our commitment to advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment planning and compassionate support at every step of your journey.
Our Breast Cancer Specialists
The Helen S. Rich Breast Cancer Center at Tampa General Hospital's Cancer Institute includes a world-class multidisciplinary team of specialists including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, geneticists, plastic surgeons, clinicians and physical therapists who collaborate to design a treatment plan with each patient’s quality of life in mind. Additionally, dedicated breast cancer nurse navigators offer support to patients and their families throughout the continuum of care. No two cancers are alike, and our team of experts is dedicated to providing patient-centered care and a personalized approach to treatment specific to each person’s disease.
Breast Cancers and Other Conditions We Treat
Breast cancer comes in many forms, and TGH's team of medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists have the experience and insight to manage these complexities. We treat breast cancer diagnoses that include:
Pre-cancerous Conditions:
- Breast calcifications
- BRCA and Lynch Syndrome
- Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)
Non-Invasive Breast Cancer
- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
Invasive Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Subtypes (Tumor Biology)
- Hormone Receptor-Positive (ER/PR+) Breast Cancer
- HER2 Breast Cancer Status
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- Basal-like Breast Cancer
- Luminal A Breast Cancer
- Luminal B Breast Cancer
Advanced Breast Cancer
- Metastatic Breast Cancer
Rare and Aggressive Breast Cancers
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Metaplastic Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostics
At Tampa General, we offer a wide array of options to help diagnose, target and treat breast cancer as effectively and efficiently as possible. It all begins with screening, as early detection is associated with better outcomes for patients: the earlier we can identify and diagnose a potential cancer, the faster we can begin treatment. We also have a world-class pathology and diagnostics team skilled in precisely identifying the form of your cancer, giving us the best chance to create a treatment path most likely to address your specific disease.
Knowing Your Cancer Helps Us Beat Your CancerOur specialized technologies include:
- Breast MRI
- Breast Ultrasound
- Digital Mammography
- Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI)
- Genetic Counseling
- Breast Pathology
Advanced Breast Cancer Screening at TGH Imaging
TGH Imaging locations offer screenings and diagnostic testing, including 3D mammography, ultrasounds, biopsies and other in-office procedures and treatments, including molecular breast imaging (MBI), an advanced, FDA-approved imaging technology that is used to identify breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 40% of women have dense breast tissue, which can hide cancer. Where you go for imaging is important.We've increased patient access to breast cancer screening with the addition of Hologic Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams in 18 locations across the Tampa Bay region. The advanced technology can significantly increase breast cancer detection and decrease the need for additional testing.
Using 3D mammography over 2D mammography allows radiologists at Tampa General to find 20% to 65% more invasive breast cancers.Breast Cancer Treatment Options
The TGH Team offers the broadest range of breast cancer treatment options in the region, including surgical, medical and radiation specialties, as well as pre- and post-treatment rehab. Our full list of breast cancer treatment options includes:
Surgical Expertise
At TGH, we recognize that healing includes both physical recovery and emotional well-being. That's why our team offers specialized surgical approaches and advanced technologies designed to remove cancer safely while also providing reconstruction options whenever possible to help patients feel whole, confident, and supported through every step of care.
Our board-certified breast surgeons are highly skilled in nipple-sparing techniques and advanced, minimally invasive procedures for breast cancer, including:
- Non-invasive axillary nodal staging performed without an operating room visit. TGH specialists are currently the only team in the world performing this procedure.
- Oncoplastic surgery that combines tumor removal with reconstructive techniques to help preserve the natural shape and appearance of the breast.
- Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, including breast implants (both new and replacements), tissue flap surgery, and procedures to lift and shape the breast, preserve and reposition the nipple, restore sensation and improve symmetry.
Medical Oncology Excellence
The TGH Cancer Institute's medical oncology services for breast cancer patients stand out from other programs in the region, offering the most comprehensive experience for breast cancer treatments. Patients have access to chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy. Cooling caps are available to patients undergoing chemotherapy to help prevent hair loss.
Multiple Radiation Options
At Tampa General, we try to make the radiation process as seamless as possible. Radiation oncologists at the state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology Center at the Brandon Outpatient Center deliver advanced treatments.
Advanced technologies enable Tampa General to offer minimally invasive radiation, offering treatment that improves patient convenience while minimizing toxicity.
Comprehensive Rehab Options
After diagnosis and before treatment, our patients have access to PRE-habilitation in preparation for surgery. PRE-habilitation services focus on establishing baseline norms for range of motion and strength, as well as education on post-operative exercises, lymphedema and the importance of physical activity. Physical therapists work with each patient to help them create their individualized physical fitness plan throughout their cancer treatment journey.
Caring for High-Risk Patients
Do you have a family history of breast cancer? If so, we can help.Breast cancer specialists at Tampa General provide targeted high-risk screening for women who may have an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer. A team of breast surgeons, genetic counselors, medical oncologists, and advanced practice providers identify women who may benefit from increased screening beyond annual mammograms.
The program uses a personalized risk reduction strategy that includes 3D tomosynthesis mammography (specialized X-ray technology for the best detection), ultrasound, breast MRI, and molecular breast imaging. We follow high-risk patients to ensure optimal scheduling of imaging and modalities, as well as diet, exercise and lifestyle recommendations. In cases where high-risk patients opt for risk-reducing mastectomies, our team of breast surgeons works in conjunction with the plastic surgery team for the ultimate cosmetic outcome. Our goal is to get you back to your everyday life as soon as possible.
Breast Cancer Support Services
We know there's a lot more to cancer than just the actual treatment. With this in mind, we offer comprehensive support services to ensure that patients receive world-class care far beyond diagnosis and treatment. Starting with our nurse navigator who will be with you every step of the way, our support services include financial assistance, genetic counseling, nutrition services, oncology psychology services, an outpatient rehabilitation program (including physical, occupational, speech, lymphedema, and biofeedback therapy), palliative care, patient advocacy and education, patient and caregiver support groups, social work, spiritual care, a survivorship program and financial assistance. Our goal at TGH is to provide you with unparalleled clinical care and more.
Cancer Research & Clinical Trials
We further demonstrate our continued commitment to world-class care through active participation in clinical trials, which can provide our patients with access to advanced therapies and technologies.
For more information on how our research and clinical trials are positively impacting patients, explore Clinical Trials at TGH.
