Breast cancer specialists in Manchester, New Hampshire
We are devoted to your care, offering diagnostic, surgical and follow-up breast cancer services.
At Catholic Medical Center, our experienced surgeons understand the sensitive nature of breast cancer. We offer access to advanced surgical techniques that prioritize all aspects of your health and well-being.
Have cancer questions?
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
Breast cancer symptoms
Performing monthly self-evaluations is important for your breast health. If you detect any noticeable changes, make an appointment with your doctor. Symptoms to look for include:
- Breast or nipple pain
- Dimpling or swelling of the skin
- Lumps
- Nipple changes
- Nipple discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes in underarm
- Swollen lymph nodes on collarbone
Breast cancer services we provide
We are committed to exceptional breast cancer care that lasts throughout your journey, including diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Diagnosing breast cancer
Family history can play a major role in developing breast cancer. We use breast cancer 1 (BRCA 1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA 2) gene testing to help determine your potential likelihood for developing breast cancer and paint a clearer picture of your long-term health.
Breast cancer is potentially curable when diagnosed in its earliest stages, which is why early detection through advanced imaging is important. We offer the following testing options:
- Breast ultrasounds
- Mammograms
- Stereotactic breast biopsies
Self-breast exams should not be a replacement for mammograms. These imaging procedures have a better chance of identifying cancer than self-exams alone.
Receptors and breast cancer
Receptors are proteins on cells that attach to material in your blood. Learning the receptor status tells us what treatment options are likely to work. Some breast cancers attach to estrogen or progesterone, and in some cases, they attach to both. Breast cancer needs these hormones to grow.
Receptors fall into one of two categories:
- Estrogen receptor (ER) positive — Attached to estrogen hormones
- Progesterone receptor (PR) positive — Attached to progesterone hormones
We can then choose the treatments that prevent estrogen or progesterone from attaching to receptors, helping to stop or slow down the progression of breast cancer.
HER2 refers to a higher level of protein found in tumors, and it means the cancer grows quickly. Breast cancer with a HER2 negative status, on the other hand, typically responds better to medications that target the HER2 protein.
Surgical breast cancer treatment
Advances in medicine allow us to offer proven surgical procedures to treat breast cancer. Our experienced and highly skilled surgeons perform these techniques, working with you to determine the best option for your condition.
Recognition for our breast cancer program
We are proud to be designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) by the American College of Radiology (ACR), and to have earned National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) accreditation. These recognitions verify that our breast center's compliance standards meet or exceed national benchmarks and demonstrate our commitment to improving women's health.
Breast cancer survivorship program
We offer a specialized program that provides support when you complete your breast cancer treatment. Our survivorship program is designed to promote ongoing health and well-being, while helping breast cancer survivors transition from active treatment to long-term survivorship.
Features of our breast cancer survivorship program include:
- Emotional and psychological support — Support groups, counseling and mental health services to manage stress, fear and anxiety
- Exercise and lifestyle guidance — Guidance focused on incorporating exercise into your daily routine
- Medical monitoring — Regular screenings and check-ups
- Nurse navigator services — Education about beneficial programs and lifestyle choices that can help decrease your risk of recurrence
- Nutritional counseling — Instruction from nutritional experts about maintaining a healthy diet and managing dietary challenges as a result of treatment
- Peer support — Annual events and outings geared towards connecting survivors with similar experiences
- Physical rehabilitation — Rehabilitation services to address any physical challenges or limitations you may have from surgery, radiation or chemotherapy
- Survivorship care plans — Individualized documents outlining treatment history, recommended follow-up care and lifestyle recommendations
- Transportation services — Access to transportation to and from appointments
About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network
Fighting cancer takes a team
HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (844) 482-4812.
Breast cancer screenings
Our surgical oncologist encourages you to prioritize your health by scheduling your screening mammogram today.