Breast Cancer Resources & Support
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of questions. You don't have to find all the answers at once.
We've gathered helpful resources to help you understand your diagnosis, learn about treatment and reconstruction options, prepare for a consultation, and find support along the way.
"I Was Just Diagnosed With Breast Cancer.
Where Do I Start?"
A new diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when you're suddenly faced with unfamiliar terminology, treatment decisions, and appointments. These resources are designed to help you understand what comes next.
You've Just Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer — Part 1
An introduction to navigating a new breast cancer diagnosis and understanding the first steps.
You've Just Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer — Part 2
Continue the series as you learn more about treatment decisions and the breast cancer journey.
You've Just Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer — Part 3
Additional information to help you prepare for the decisions and conversations ahead.
"What Are My Breast Cancer Surgery Options?"
Your breast surgeon and oncology team will help determine which surgical options are appropriate for you.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy focuses on removing only the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue. This is often referred to as "breast‐conserving surgery" because it preserves most of the natural breast tissue. What Lumpectomy Involves Removal of the cancerous lump and a small rim of normal tissue. Usually followed by radiation therapy to reduce recurrence risk. Often an outpatient procedure with a shorter recovery time. Advantages Can preserve the majority of the breast’s natural appearance and sensation depending on the size of the tumor and breast and the location of the cancer.
Plastic surgeons will sometimes offer an “oncoplastic” closure to help maintain a normal shape after lumpectomy. Shorter surgery and quicker healing compared to mastectomy. Emotional benefit in some who feel they have not lost their breast. Considerations May not be suitable for larger tumors or multiple tumors in different areas of the breast. Radiation therapy post-surgery is common and may impact skin/tissue over time. Some patients experience changes in breast shape, size, or symmetry. Others feel the breast is sensitive and firm and the nipple projection can become abnormal or asymmetric during the year after the radiation. Some complain of the increase in discomfort with mammograms done every 6 to 12 months after surgery. Lumpectomy is often recommended when the cancer is detected early and when breast conservation is a priority for the patient.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy at a minimum removes the entire breast mound from beneath the skin and is recommended in certain cases depending on tumor size, type, genetic risk, or personal preference.
Advantages Reduces the risk of local recurrence more significantly than lumpectomy or lumpectomy plus radiation. Eliminates the extended need for regular doctor visits, mammograms or MRIs to survey the remaining breast after lumpectomy and radiation. Usually eliminates the need for radiation therapy unless the tumor is not completely removed. Preserves a patient’s full radiation dosage should it ever be needed for painful spread of the disease down the road. Helpful for individuals with genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA) or very high recurrence risk. Considerations Longer surgery and recovery time. Loss of nipple sensation is guaranteed. Reconstruction is an option but not required. Patients often choose mastectomy when they prioritize risk reduction, want or need to avoid radiation, or when multiple tumors make breast conservation impractical.
"What Is Breast Reconstruction?"
Breast reconstruction is highly personal. Some women choose reconstruction immediately after mastectomy, while others choose delayed reconstruction or decide not to pursue reconstruction.
There are several approaches, including implant-based reconstruction and reconstruction using your own tissue.
Delayed Reconstruction
Reconstruction doesn't have to happen at the time of your mastectomy. Learn more about delayed reconstruction.
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Learn about tissue expanders, implants, and the reconstruction process.
Autologous Reconstruction
Learn about reconstruction using your own tissue and the different approaches available.
"What Should I Expect From a Breast Reconstruction Consultation?"
Meeting with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon can help you understand what options may be available to you and what questions you should consider before making a decision.
Every patient's situation is different. A consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your diagnosis, treatment plan, goals, and potential reconstruction options.
"Where Can I Find More Breast Cancer Information & Support?"
Breast Cancer Information Packet
This commitment extends beyond our practice through The Pink Runway Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Branch to improve education, awareness, and access to breast reconstruction and comprehensive breast cancer care.
The Foundation's mission is to ensure that every woman understands her reconstructive rights, becomes aware of the many treatment options available, and receives the information and support needed to make confident, informed decisions throughout her breast cancer journey.
We believe every woman deserves to know her options.
We believe every woman deserves a voice in her care.
And we believe every woman deserves the opportunity to feel whole again—whatever that means to her.
The Pink Runway Project
"You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone."
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer and are considering your surgical or reconstructive options, we're here to help you
understand what's possible.
Our goal is to provide education, answer questions, and help you make informed decisions about your care.