Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care
When you are facing a breast cancer diagnosis, or a concern that could lead to one, you deserve exceptional care. At Riverside Cancer Care Network our nationally accredited breast cancer program combines scientifically advanced, individualized treatments with compassionate care.
Why choose Riverside for your Breast Cancer Care
- Nationally Accredited Excellence: Certified by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons
- Leading-Edge Treatments and Technologies: Advanced technologies and treatments often found at leading cancer centers in the country, right here at home.
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Your case is reviewed by breast cancer experts who participate as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary breast cancer tumor board to collaborate on your personalized treatment plan.
- Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis through survivorship, we integrate services to support your emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing.
- Personalized Risk Assessment: Our High-Risk Breast Clinic provides individualized risk reduction and early detection strategies.
Breast cancer care close to home near your loved ones
Advanced academic-level care without the travel, so you can receive treatment and heal close to home, where you are comfortable and supported.
Expert care that targets your cancer
At our nationally accredited breast program our breast cancer experts work together to combine advanced imaging, precise diagnosis and the latest research to create a treatment plan as unique as your cancer. It's personalized medicine powered by collaboration, evidence based science and compassion.
Our multi-disciplinary team of breast cancer specialists work closely together to share insights and expertise, review the latest research and scientific evidence to build a targeted treatment plan personalized to you.
- Breast surgical oncologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Pathologists
- Breast reconstructive surgeon
- Genetic counselors
- Breast cancer nurse navigators
- Survivorship and support services, such as oncology rehabilitation, dietitian nutritionists, social workers
The most effective treatment begins with a precise diagnosis. Our breast cancer program offers sophisticated, cutting-edge imaging and diagnostics to understand your breast cancer down to the molecular level. This allows our breast cancer experts to target your treatment for what is most effective for your unique cancer.
- Gene expression tests such as Oncotype testing inform the benefit of chemotherapy
- Molecular testing provides information on targeted therapies and clinical trials
- All of Riverside’s Diagnostic & Imaging Centers are accredited by the American College of Radiology, including three locations that are designated as Breast Centers of Excellence.
- As a commitment to innovation in breast cancer detection, Riverside Health has partnered with Transpara® BreastCare, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to help radiologists detect cancers in mammograms. The software serves as a second set of eyes for providers to identify patterns of cancerous breast tissue and aims to detect cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.
- Biopsies performed by our fellowship-trained breast imaging radiologist or breast surgeons are reviewed by our fellowship-trained pathologists to analyze tumor type, grade and hormone receptor status
- Riverside offers advanced screening and diagnostic services close to home.
The Riverside Diagnostic & Breast Imaging Center in Newport News, Williamsburg, and Gloucester are designated as a Breast Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR) due to its accreditation in all available forms of screening and diagnosis which are used to help detect breast cancer earlier when the chance for cure is greatest. To receive this designation, a Breast Center of Excellence must meet the following criteria:
Mammography by the ACR (or an FDA-approved state accrediting body)
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy by the ACR
Breast Ultrasound by the ACR (including the Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy module)
Breast MRI by the ACR or within the ACR network
Advanced screening and diagnostic services close to home.
Riverside’s ACR Breast Center of Excellence locations:
Riverside Diagnostic & Breast Imaging Center Newport News
Riverside Diagnostic Center Williamsburg
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
For patients that may require diagnostic imaging, Riverside’s ACR Accredited Diagnostic Centers offer contrast enhanced mammography, BSGI (breast-specific gamma imaging), and breast ultrasound.
Riverside’s ACR Accredited locations:
Riverside Diagnostic Center Hampton
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital
Riverside Diagnostic Center Smithfield
Riverside has breast cancer experts across our network.
Leading-edge treatments for breast cancer, precisely matched to you
With access to the complete range of today’s most advanced treatments we design a personalized treatment plan that brings together exactly the right tools to effectively target your individual cancer.
Surgery
State-of-the-art surgical approaches
- Breast-Conserving Surgery: Lumpectomy techniques that effectively remove cancer while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible
- Oncoplastic Procedures: Combining cancer surgery with cosmetic techniques for optimal aesthetic results
- Reconstructive Surgery: Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction options to restore appearance and confidence
- Mastectomy Options: Including skin-sparing and nipple-sparing approaches when medically appropriate
- Cancer localization technologies: Our highly skilled breast surg use various techniques to localize and remove your cancer. These include magseed, a magnetic seed placed into the tumor to allow precise localization of your cancer in the operating room. US to localize cancers and allow precise localization and other techniques to allow the best possible oncologic and cosmetic outcomes.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Our breast cancer surgeons and our radiologists use both nuclear medicine and blue dye technology to precisely identify lymph nodes at risk for cancer spread to allow them to be removed in the operating room. This enhances the ability to stage your cancer and determine the best post-surgical treatment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy
- Our radiation oncologists utilize advanced techniques to precisely target cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Precisely shaped radiation beams that conform to tumor shape
- Prone Positioning: Specially designed equipment that positions you comfortably to minimize radiation exposure to the heart and lungs
- Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold Techniques: Methods that further protect your heart during radiation treatment
Cancer Drugs
Customized cancer-fighting medications
- Our medical oncologists use sophisticated, specialized genomic tests, like Oncotype, to understand your cancer’s unique genetic profile
- Armed with information about the genetic makeup of your cancer, our team works with you to select the most effective therapies- whether that is chemotherapy, immunotherapy, anti-estrogen therapy, targeted medications or a combination of these cancer fighting regiments.
Clinical Trials
Innovative clinical trials
Research allows us to advance science and investigate potential new treatments for breast and other cancers.
Through our UVA Health affiliation, patients have access to promising treatments, novel drug combinations and approaches.
Treatments used for breast cancer today are available because patients participated in clinical trials.
State-of-the-art surgical approaches
- Breast-Conserving Surgery: Lumpectomy techniques that effectively remove cancer while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible
- Oncoplastic Procedures: Combining cancer surgery with cosmetic techniques for optimal aesthetic results
- Reconstructive Surgery: Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction options to restore appearance and confidence
- Mastectomy Options: Including skin-sparing and nipple-sparing approaches when medically appropriate
- Cancer localization technologies: Our highly skilled breast surg use various techniques to localize and remove your cancer. These include magseed, a magnetic seed placed into the tumor to allow precise localization of your cancer in the operating room. US to localize cancers and allow precise localization and other techniques to allow the best possible oncologic and cosmetic outcomes.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Our breast cancer surgeons and our radiologists use both nuclear medicine and blue dye technology to precisely identify lymph nodes at risk for cancer spread to allow them to be removed in the operating room. This enhances the ability to stage your cancer and determine the best post-surgical treatment.
Radiation therapy
- Our radiation oncologists utilize advanced techniques to precisely target cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Precisely shaped radiation beams that conform to tumor shape
- Prone Positioning: Specially designed equipment that positions you comfortably to minimize radiation exposure to the heart and lungs
- Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold Techniques: Methods that further protect your heart during radiation treatment
Customized cancer-fighting medications
- Our medical oncologists use sophisticated, specialized genomic tests, like Oncotype, to understand your cancer’s unique genetic profile
- Armed with information about the genetic makeup of your cancer, our team works with you to select the most effective therapies- whether that is chemotherapy, immunotherapy, anti-estrogen therapy, targeted medications or a combination of these cancer fighting regiments.
Innovative clinical trials
Research allows us to advance science and investigate potential new treatments for breast and other cancers.
Through our UVA Health affiliation, patients have access to promising treatments, novel drug combinations and approaches.
Treatments used for breast cancer today are available because patients participated in clinical trials.
Supportive services extend your care beyond medical treatment
Breast Cancer Nurse Navigators
Experienced nurse guiding you through every step of your cancer journey.
Breast Cancer Support Groups
Find comfort and inspiration from connecting with other breast cancer survivors.
Navigating financial challenges
Riverside can help you navigate the financial cost of your cancer treatment.
Oncology Dietitian Nutritionists
Nutrition experts help you maintain strength before, during and after cancer treatment.
Oncology Rehabilitation
Specialized therapy to prevent lymphedema and restore mobility after treatment.
Types of Breast Cancer
- Angiosarcoma
- Breast masses
- Ductal carcinoma in situ
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Invasive breast caner
- Lobular breast cancer
- Lobular carcinoma in situ
- Nipple masses
- Triple-negative breast cancer
Types of benign lesions concerning for breast cancer development
- Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia
- Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia
- Breast and Nipple Masses
- Papillomas
- Radial Scars
Take charge of your breast health
In early stages, breast cancer often presents without signs or symptoms. Learn what affects your risk of developing breast cancer and how screening and early detection can make all the difference.
Learn more about breast cancer risk, screening and early detection