Medically Reviewed by Madyson Riddell, DO

Breast cancer treatment has advanced significantly over the years, giving patients more options and improving outcomes. Dr. Madyson Riddell, a breast surgical oncologist with Pee Dee Surgical Group, discusses breast health, breast cancer surgery options, chemotherapy, early screening, and the importance of understanding each patient’s specific diagnosis.

What Is a Breast Surgical Oncologist?
A breast surgical oncologist is a surgeon who specializes exclusively in breast health. This includes treating breast cancer, monitoring high-risk patients, and addressing other breast diseases that may need to be removed or monitored.

Dr. Riddell completed five years of general surgery training followed by an additional one-year fellowship focused specifically on breast surgery.

During that specialized year, she worked alongside medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals to understand the entire process a breast cancer patient experiences, from diagnosis through treatment.

What Surgical Options Are Available for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer surgery has evolved, offering women more options than in the past.

Historically, many women underwent mastectomies. Today, some patients may be candidates for a lumpectomy, also called a partial mastectomy.

This procedure removes the tumor along with a normal rim of surrounding breast tissue, leaving much of the remaining breast intact.

As Dr. Riddell explains, this approach allows women to look in the mirror and still feel like themselves, with their own breast tissue preserved and the cancer removed.

The appropriate surgical option depends on the patient’s specific breast cancer and the treatment options available to them.

When Is Chemotherapy Recommended Before Breast Cancer Surgery?
Chemotherapy is a treatment separate from surgery, and the timing of chemotherapy can vary depending on the type of breast cancer.

As Dr. Riddell explains, breast cancer is not a single disease. There are several different types, including:

• Hormone-positive breast cancer
• Triple-negative breast cancer
• HER2-positive breast cancer

These classifications help healthcare providers explain a patient’s specific disease and determine an appropriate treatment approach.

Some types of breast cancer respond better when chemotherapy is given before surgery. This does not necessarily mean the cancer is better or worse; it means the particular disease may benefit from chemotherapy upfront.

In some cases, chemotherapy can shrink a tumor enough to allow a patient to undergo a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. It also allows doctors to observe how the tumor responds to chemotherapy in the body.

Can Women Reduce Their Risk of Breast Cancer?
Many women wonder why they develop breast cancer, even when they feel they have done everything right. But Dr. Riddell explains that some factors are simply beyond a person’s control.

As she puts it, being a woman, having breasts, and aging are all factors associated with breast cancer risk. Unfortunately, much of the risk can come down to luck.

While there is no way to eliminate every risk, Dr. Riddell emphasizes the importance of early screening.

The goal is to identify breast cancer early, when patients may have the greatest number of treatment options and require less extensive surgery.

How Have Breast Cancer Survival Rates Improved?
Breast cancer treatment has made significant progress, changing what a cancer diagnosis can mean for patients.

Dr. Riddell notes that localized, early-stage breast cancer can have a five-year survival rate of nearly 99%.

Many breast cancers are curable, and although treatment may involve six months or a year of difficulty, the potential long-term benefit can be substantial.

Early detection and appropriate treatment play important roles in helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
Although breast cancer is most common in women, men can also develop the disease.

Dr. Riddell confirms that male patients are treated through her office and that their breast cancer is treated very similarly to breast cancer in female patients.

Breast health awareness is important for everyone, and concerns about possible breast cancer should be discussed with a healthcare provider regardless of sex.

When Should Women Start Breast Cancer Screening?
Dr. Riddell says she would like to see every woman begin screening mammograms at age 40.

However, women with a family history or concerns about a strong prevalence of cancers, including breast, cervical, or ovarian cancer, can speak with their doctor earlier.

Depending on their circumstances, a doctor may discuss options such as a high-risk clinic or genetic testing.

McLeod offers a high-risk clinic to help patients explore their individual risk factors and determine what additional evaluation may be appropriate.

Discussing breast health with a healthcare provider can help women understand their screening options and take appropriate steps based on their individual circumstances.