Years ago, when a woman needed an operation to remove breast cancer, the procedure often left them feeling disfigured, leading to low self-esteem and more emotional struggles during what is already a challenging time.

Fortunately, breast cancer surgery has improved tremendously in recent years. Dr. Alfred J. Colfry III, a breast surgical oncologist with LCMC Health, said physicians from different disciplines often work in tandem to perform procedures that preserve more of a woman’s breast, leaving her with an appearance that she feels comfortable with while also being an effective cancer treatment.

“In 2023, you must have a comprehensive team taking care of you – physicians, nurses, therapists, support staff – all working toward the goal of a cure,” Dr. Colfry said. “Gone are the days of removing a breast cancer and rebuilding the breast later. Today, it’s all done at the same time. It saves the patient from having to go through multiple surgeries and the risks that are associated with that. Things are much more streamlined now.”

Here, Dr. Colfry talks more about the surgical improvements and how LCMC Health physicians are putting them into practice.

What are some of the biggest advancements in breast cancer surgery in recent years?

There are two main options, a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. With a lumpectomy, we can remove a cancer and give the patient a cosmetic lift and reduction at the same time. People can keep their own breast without having a hole and feeling like they look mangled. We can rearrange tissue to make it look very natural.

With a mastectomy, as long as none of the disease approaches the skin or the nipple, it’s completely safe to preserve the outer shell of the breast including the skin and the nipple. In these procedures, we keep the skin and nipple in place, and remove the breast tissue through an incision that’s hidden completely beneath the breast. The plastic surgeon fills that space with an implant or the patient’s own tissue. We have decades of data that shows the cancer recurrence and survival rates are the same when we keep the outer shell of the breast intact.

How do doctors and patients work together to determine which procedure is best for them?

Sometimes, the decision is made by the cancer. If the tumor is large, a lumpectomy isn’t possible. If it’s small, that makes it an easy call to move forward with a lumpectomy. If it’s anything in between, we present the patients with their options. A lumpectomy normally goes hand in hand with radiation, so that’s a factor.

Some patients come in with their minds made up that they want a certain procedure, especially if they have a family history of breast cancer or specific concerns. I’ll add my perspective and opinion, but the important thing is to educate the patient on what is involved in each procedure. We try to empower them so they can choose the option they feel is best for them.

What steps can women take to address their concerns about breast cancer?

Genetic testing has become more prevalent in recent years. If someone has several family members, particularly first-degree relatives, who have had breast cancer, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about genetic testing. Only 10% of breast cancer cases are caused by genetics, but if we know ahead of time that someone has a gene, we can take preventative measures.

LCMC Health has created a new cancer service line with its academic partners, LSU and Tulane, to continue to increase access and offer comprehensive, specialized care. LCMC Health and LSU are pursuing the first and only National Cancer Institute designation in the region to support families and communities impacted by cancer. The NCI Cancer Centers program is an anchor of the nation’s cancer research efforts, recognizing centers around the country that meet rigorous standards for developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.