Breast Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

While it's generally best to begin breast cancer treatment as soon as possible, you will likely have time to review treatment recommendations from a couple of different oncology teams to compare treatment plans. After a diagnosis, additional testing is necessary before treatment to determine the stage (extent) of the breast cancer. The stage of cancer will impact the treatment plan.

Most patients also have the opportunity to get a second opinion. This is encouraged to determine which cancer care team you’re most comfortable with and their plan for your treatment. If you received a breast cancer diagnosis, consider requesting a consultation with an oncologist at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard (CCCB) for a personalized treatment plan.

Yes, most people can choose where they receive breast cancer treatment and who will perform the surgery. The facility where you received your diagnosis may refer you to one of their breast cancer surgeons or oncologists next. However, you also have the option to seek cancer treatment elsewhere. You may need to ask for a referral from the doctor who diagnosed you, depending on your insurance.

Some factors to consider when making your decision include the overall cost of cancer care, the time it takes to be seen for an initial appointment, and the convenience of the treatment center locations.

Patients at CCCB have access to breast cancer specialists located throughout the Brevard County area.

If you were diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be wondering if your family members are also at risk. It’s true that a family history of breast cancer increases the risk of developing the disease. However, only a small percentage (5-10%) of breast cancers are linked to an inherited genetic mutation. If multiple family members have had breast cancer or other cancers, such as ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, you and your family members may want to consider genetic testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These are the primary genes associated with an inherited genetic change that increases the risk of cancer.

Learn more about breast cancer genetics.

Whether you need treatment before breast cancer surgery depends on the type of breast cancer and its extent. Treatment before surgery is known as neoadjuvant therapy. Women with triple-negative or HER2-positive breast cancer often undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy before surgery. Neoadjuvant therapy can help shrink large tumors before surgery, requiring less of the breast to be removed if you’re having a lumpectomy. Your breast cancer team will evaluate your diagnosis and discuss the recommended treatment plan based on the type of breast cancer and its stage.

Learn more about treatments before and after breast cancer surgery.

Not all breast cancer treatments result in hair loss. For example, treatment with surgery and radiation therapy typically does not affect the hair, while a systemic therapy like chemotherapy will. Other cancer treatments, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, can cause hair thinning, but not necessarily total loss.

Talk to your breast cancer specialist about your specific treatments and hair loss, as well as other side effects you might expect. There may be ways to reduce hair loss caused by cancer treatment through the use of scalp cooling. Your team at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard can discuss this technique and other tips if hair loss is expected.

After reviewing your insurance plan, our financial counselors will help you understand what your benefits will cover and what your out-of-pocket expenses are likely to be. Fortunately, patients can receive more affordable care at independent cancer centers, such as Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, compared to hospital outpatient departments. According to the Community Oncology Alliance, cancer treatment in a hospital-affiliated outpatient department can cost up to 50% more than it would at an independent oncology practice.

Receiving cancer care at a lower cost does not mean compromising on quality. We provide patients with the same standard of care that’s provided at hospital-affiliated oncology departments, using advanced technologies and personalized treatments at a more affordable price. Learn more about the cost of cancer treatment at CCCB.

Clinical trials provide access to new treatments for breast cancer not yet widely available. Cancer Care Centers of Brevard participates in several breast cancer research clinical trials, offering patients in the Brevard County area opportunities to explore innovative treatments. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial and would like to find out if you qualify, we are happy to discuss your options with you. We will recommend participation if you are eligible.

For over 25 years, CCCB has been dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care that incorporates state-of-the-art cancer technologies and therapies in and around Brevard County, Florida. Our oncologists and advanced practice providers are experts in their fields, dedicated to delivering the best treatment for breast cancer patients. Meet our experienced breast cancer oncologists.

Many breast cancer patients worry about the possibility of their cancer returning after treatment. The likelihood of a breast cancer recurrence depends on the specific breast cancer type and its stage when diagnosed.

For women diagnosed with hormone-positive (HR+) breast cancer, your oncologist may recommend hormone therapy for five years or longer after your treatment is complete. These drugs are proven to reduce the risk of recurrence if taken as prescribed, although the drugs also have side effects. Your cancer care team can discuss these side effects with you and suggest ways to manage them.

Generally, breast cancers detected and treated at earlier stages are less likely to recur than those identified at more advanced stages. It's important to attend all follow-up appointments with your oncology team. They will perform tests and scans to detect any potential recurrence early, which can make it more manageable.