Breast Cancer

BJC HealthCare offers excellent care for breast cancer, at any stage. Our Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, along with its five satellite locations, is designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In addition to Siteman locations, BJC HealthCare offers comprehensive and convenient care in locations across the region. Our Missouri Baptist Medical Center program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC). 

We combine a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, research, and clinical excellence in locations designed by patients, doctors, and nurses. Decades of experience has taught us that when treating cancer, comfort and compassion are just as important as the science of medicine.

When you to come to us for breast cancer care, you’ll find:

• Recognized excellence: Our network of hospitals provides the highest quality of care close to home. Siteman Cancer Center is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The Missouri Baptist Breast HealthCare Center has been named a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence by the National Consortium of Breast Centers, every year since 2017. This is the highest certification level given and we are the only comprehensive breast center in Missouri to earn the recognition.
• Groundbreaking treatments: We’ve pioneered several treatments that improve breast cancer outcomes while reducing negative side effects. From breast-sparing surgeries to genetically targeted medications, our team provides the most advanced breast cancer care. We also offer innovative scalp cooling technology that helps people with breast cancer keep their hair throughout chemotherapy.
• Research and clinical trials: Our doctors participate in leading-edge clinical trials that allow you to receive promising new therapies that aren’t widely available. Learn more about clinical trials at BJC HealthCare.
• Support when you need it most: We understand that breast cancer treatment can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. That’s why our cancer support services—including cancer psychologists and nutritional counseling—are available to you and your family. 

When mutations cause damaged cells in your breast tissue to multiply, it results in cancer. Breast cancer is the name for the disease resulting from those damaged, cancer-causing cells beginning in any part of your breast.

Breast cancer can form in your glands that produce milk (called lobules) or in your ducts that transport the milk from your glands to your nipples. If the cancer cells continue to reproduce, the cancer can spread outside your breast to other parts of your body.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an estimated 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. Although much rarer, men can also get breast cancer.

The first step toward finding and diagnosing breast cancer often happens during an annual mammogram. That’s why we provide women with comprehensive breast screening services as part of our cancer screening and prevention program.

Imaging 

We use a variety of imaging tests to locate and identify possible tumors in your breast. These include:

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• MRI

Biopsies

If imaging tests reveal a possible tumor in your breast, your doctor will need to take a biopsy (tissue sample) to test. Testing the cells gathered during a biopsy allows us to determine if the tumor is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Depending on the size and location of the lump or area of concern, we use different biopsy methods:

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy uses a thin needle to draw out a small sample of fluid or tissue from the lump.
• Core needle biopsy uses a large needle to remove a cylindrical column of tissue.
• Surgical biopsy requires an incision in your breast to access and remove a tissue sample.