Breast Cancer Care in Nashville & Southern KY

Breast cancer treatment in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bowling Green, Kentucky

If you have breast cancer, we offer effective treatment and compassionate support.

When you have a cancer diagnosis, you need efficient, exceptional medical care. The care team at Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at TriStar Health provides all of this and more with advanced treatment plans designed just for you.

Screening mammogram

You can now schedule a screening mammogram online.

Schedule a mammogram

Related specialties

Oncology

Cancer clinical trials

What you should know about breast cancer

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast tissue mutate and grow uncontrollably, forming cancerous tumors or lumps that can originate in the milk ducts, lobules that produce milk or other breast areas. While breast cancer predominantly affects women, it can also develop in men, though it is much rarer.

The type of breast cancer is determined by the specific cells involved and where in the breast the cancer begins. Regular high-quality screening mammograms and clinical breast exams are the most sensitive ways to screen for breast cancer.

Understanding breast cancer risks and symptoms

At the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at TriStar Health, we believe in empowering our patients to take an active role in their care. Our approach goes beyond just treating the disease. We provide a comprehensive and personalized experience that supports your whole health and well-being. Our multidisciplinary team develops advanced, individualized treatment plans tailored specifically for you. Utilizing the latest technologies and therapies, we precisely target the cancer while focusing on preserving your quality of life. From counseling and support groups to nutrition guidance and integrative therapies, we offer a network of compassionate support.

Possible risk factors for breast cancer

Understanding the genetic and lifestyle factors that place you at a higher risk of breast cancer is so important. Some possible risk factors include:

Age: Breast cancer is most common in women ages 55 to 64.
Genetics: About 5–10 percent of breast cancer can be identified as genetically hereditary.
Family history: Having a sibling, parent or child with breast cancer increases your risk.
Breast density: As density of the breast increases, risk increases.
Experiencing ionizing radiation of your breasts before puberty increases your risk.
Obesity: Obesity after menopause increases breast cancer risk.
Alcohol consumption: Those who have two to five drinks daily have higher risk than women who don't drink alcohol.

It's a good idea to talk with your doctor regularly about your individualized risk for breast cancer, and what proactive measures you can take to protect yourself. You are never too old or young to take charge of your health.

Common signs of breast cancer

Although it is possible that breast cancer can develop without any noticeable signs, some of the most common symptoms of cancer include:

A new lump or mass, which may be painless or painful, hard or soft
Swelling in all or part of the breast
Skin irritation or dimpling
Breast or nipple pain
Nipple retraction, meaning the nipple turns inward
A change in the skin of the nipple/breast, either color or texture
Nipple discharge that isn't breast milk
Swollen lymph nodes under the arm/collarbone

Paying close attention to your breast health is crucial for early detection and effective treatment of any potential issues. If you notice any changes or have concerns, don't hesitate to bring them to your doctor's attention promptly.

Breast cancer types and classifications

Breast cancer patients can receive up to three different classifications for their breast cancer: type, grade and stage. It is important to know your specific diagnosis so you can better understand your treatment plan.

There are two main types of breast cancer, which differ in their points of origin in the breast.

Ductal carcinoma - Begins in the cells that line the milk ducts in the breast, also called the lining of the breast ducts.
Lobular carcinoma - Begins in the lobes, or lobules (the glands that make milk) of the breast.

Breast cancer grades refer to how close the biopsy sample looks to normal breast tissue and how rapidly the cancer cells are dividing. The lower the number, the slower the cancer is growing, making it less likely to spread.

Staging identifies if the cancer has spread within the breast or to other parts of the body.

Stage 0 (ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS) - has not spread beyond the actual tumor.
Stage I, II & III - Stage I is smaller in size, is less likely to have lymph node involvement, and has lower risk molecular features. Stage III is larger and is more likely to have lymph node involvement or other high risk molecular features.
Stage IV - cancer has spread to other organs of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

Breast cancer is also classified by whether the cancer has estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and/or a growth-promoting protein called HER2/neu.

For more information on breast cancer, visit the Sarah Cannon patient education portal.

Our breast cancer treatments and services

Breast cancer can be a complex and overwhelming diagnosis. That's why we provide a wide range of medical and support services to help you maintain your physical, emotional and mental health.

Services and support we offer

One of the best ways to fight breast cancer is to catch it early, which is why we advocate strongly for you and all eligible patients to schedule a cancer screening. Updated recommendations by the U.S. Task Force state that all women should get screened for breast cancer every other year, starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74, to reduce their risk of dying from this disease. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting screening before age 40 or getting screened more frequently. It is important to have an open discussion about your individual risk profile.

Prevention and early discovery are the best tools we have to protect you and your health. We offer advanced imaging services to aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Screening and diagnostic services offered include:

Screening mammography with 3D imaging
Diagnostic mammography
Diagnostic ultrasound
Contrast mammography

Schedule a mammogram

Breast cancer surgery

At TriStar Health, we understand that every patient's situation is unique. This is why our multidisciplinary team takes a personalized approach, carefully considering all aspects of your specific case. We will work closely with you to develop an individualized care plan, considering factors like the cancer type, stage, your overall health status and personal preferences.

Depending on your breast cancer stage and type, surgical interventions may be recommended. Below are the types of breast procedures we perform:

Lymph node surgery: Removal of most of all of the lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) close to the breast. There are two main types of lymph node surgery for breast cancer: sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection. Your breast cancer surgeon will recommend the appropriate lymph node surgery based on your specific condition and diagnostic results.
Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy): Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) removes the cancer while leaving as much normal breast as possible. Usually, some surrounding healthy tissue and lymph nodes are also removed. Breast-conserving surgery is sometimes called lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy or segmental mastectomy depending on how much tissue is removed.
Mastectomy: A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the entire breast. You can have a unilateral mastectomy to remove one breast or a bilateral mastectomy to remove both. This is a more significant operation, and is used in more advanced cases.

Non-surgical breast cancer treatments

We also offer non-surgical breast cancer treatments, including:

Chemotherapy
Hormone therapy
Radiation
Targeted therapy

If one of these options is chosen as the best treatment for you, our team of oncology experts will work with you to make sure that your recovery is as smooth as possible.

Breast cancer support

We understand that a breast cancer diagnosis is not something that anyone is ever prepared for, which is why we make every effort to be there to support you and bring you the care you deserve.

Healthcare navigator services

If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, you will be paired with one of our dedicated certified oncology nurse navigators. These specialized healthcare professionals are experts in breast cancer care and will be your personal guides throughout the treatment journey.

Your oncology nurse navigator will provide individualized support to ensure you and your family receive the comprehensive resources and care you need, including:

Understanding your diagnosis
Coordinating your care in collaboration with your oncology team
Managing your treatments
Connecting you to cancer support services
Exploring clinical trials

A certified oncology nurse navigator is your dedicated advocate, ensuring you receive personalized, compassionate support every step of the way. With their expertise, you can focus on what matters most — your recovery and well-being.

Support groups

Sometimes, you need more than just medical care. Fortunately, there are numerous support groups for you and your loved ones in Nashville and the surrounding areas. Whether you are handling the diagnosis of a family member or confronting your own diagnosis, these support groups will help you feel more confident and secure in your own health. We invite you to visit our support group page, or speak with your certified oncology nurse navigator breast health navigator for more information.

About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.