Doc Talk with Breast Surgeon Jeannie Shen, MD: What to do if you are diagnosed with breast cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight breast cancer prevention, treatment and care. For many people, the diagnosis of breast cancer in itself, can be a shock - leaving people unsure of where to begin their breast cancer care journey. Fellowship-trained breast surgeon, Jeannie Shen, MD, Regional Medical Director of the Breast Program and International Health at the Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, offers her advice to help navigate the initial diagnosis and tips to help find the right breast surgeon for you.

Huntington: What should patients look for in a breast surgeon?

Dr. Shen: A breast surgeon should be knowledgeable, compassionate and willing to spend time with their patient and patient's family to help them understand the diagnosis and treatment options. Treatments for breast cancer are evolving so rapidly - with clinical studies in screening/diagnostics, perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, new "de-escalated" surgical techniques, shorter radiation protocols and new systemic medications. A surgeon who takes care of breast cancer patients should have knowledge of these studies and be able to translate that knowledge into a language that helps patients understand their choices. Surgeon's love being in the operating room, but as a breast surgeon, the time we spend with patients in the office is equally as important.

Huntington: How do you customize your breast cancer treatment for the patient?

Dr. Shen: No two patients are alike, and decisions regarding an optimal surgical plan, need for/type of/duration of radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy and balancing effectiveness while minimizing side effects of medical therapies are all unique to that individual. Additional considerations may include:

Thank you, Dr. Shen for this excellent information! Unfortunately, breast cancer is still common, according to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime (to age 90). Huntington Cancer Center physicians and nurses work tirelessly to ensure that patients are offered access to the latest treatments available, tailored to their specific needs, as well as support groups and resources. For more information about breast cancer care at Huntington Cancer Center, go to www.huntingtonhealth.org/cancer.

Jeannie Shen, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon and a fellowship-trained breast surgeon with two decades of experience. She serves as regional medical director of the breast program at Huntington Cancer Center and medical director of Huntington Hospital International Health.