Breast Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

It’s normal to want to start breast cancer treatment or go forward with surgery as soon as possible after a diagnosis. However, you'll likely have time to get a second opinion before making any final decisions. It’s a good idea to speak with another cancer care team before starting your treatments to be sure you're comfortable with the path you will choose and the team that will care for you. Insurance typically covers this appointment.

If you received a breast cancer diagnosis, consider requesting a consultation with an oncologist at Compass Oncology to discuss the best options for you and the timing of treatments.

Yes, most patients typically have a choice on where to receive breast cancer treatment and who will perform the surgery. Depending on where you received your diagnosis, you may be referred to an in-house breast cancer surgeon or oncologist, but ultimately, the choice is yours. You’ll likely need your diagnosing doctor to send a referral to our office for the appointment to be scheduled.

Factors to consider when making your decision include the overall cost of cancer care, the time it takes to get an initial appointment, and whether the facility is conveniently located for you.

Patients at Compass Oncology have access to breast cancer medical oncologists, including breast surgical oncologists, located throughout the Portland-Vancouver area.

While most breast cancers are not inherited, about 5–10% are linked to genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Women with several family members who have had breast cancer or other cancers, such as ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, may carry a hereditary genetic change that increases their overall risk of developing breast cancer. Our genetic counselors are available to help you understand your personal risk of developing breast cancer and decide whether genetic testing may be right for you.

Learn about the genetics of breast cancer.

If there is a family history of breast cancer with no BRCA gene mutation, your family members should talk to their doctors about starting screening early. You or your family member can also meet with our high-risk breast clinic. Our advanced practice providers help women navigate their personal risks and a screening schedule that increases the odds of early detection.

Your breast cancer specialist at Compass Oncology may recommend treatments before surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy, depending on the type and extent of the breast cancer. 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 also help shrink large tumors, resulting in less breast tissue needing to be removed during a lumpectomy. Our breast cancer care team will evaluate your diagnosis and discuss the recommended breast cancer treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis.

Whether you experience hair loss depends on the types of treatments you receive. For example, chemotherapy, a systemic therapy, can cause hair loss, while surgery and radiation therapy typically do not affect hair. Sometimes targeted therapy and immunotherapy can cause hair thinning, but not necessarily total hair loss.

The team at Compass Oncology is here to help you understand what to expect regarding your specific treatment and hair loss. We can also provide tips that may help reduce hair loss associated with cancer treatment. Cold capping may also help reduce hair loss.

Learn more about the common side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Our patient benefits representatives will review your insurance plan to help you understand which parts of treatment will be covered and the out-of-pocket expenses you may face. They will work with you to create a manageable financial plan tailored to your unique situation.

Compass Oncology is an independent cancer center that offers high-quality care often at a lower cost than hospital-based outpatient cancer centers. This includes access to the latest technologies and personalized treatment plans. According to the Community Oncology Alliance, cancer treatment in a hospital-affiliated outpatient department can be up to 50% more expensive than at an independent oncology practice.

If you choose to use cold-capping to reduce hair loss from cancer treatment, this is an out-of-pocket expense. The price depends on the number of treatment cycles prescribed, with a lifetime maximum of $2,600.

Many breast cancer patients at Compass Oncology have access to innovative treatments through clinical trials. Clinical trials allow you to access the most recent breast cancer treatments before they become widely available. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial and would like to know if you qualify, we are happy to discuss your options with you.

Learn more about breast cancer clinical trials and research.

For over 25 years, Compass Oncology has been a leader in cancer care. Our breast cancer specialists and surgical oncologists provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, using advanced technologies and treatments. We are dedicated to ensuring you receive comprehensive cancer care and support close to home.

Learn more about our history and dedication to top-quality cancer care close to home.

There is always a possibility that breast cancer can return, even after successful treatment. The likelihood of a recurrence depends on the specific type of breast cancer and its stage at diagnosis.

Women diagnosed with hormone-positive (HR+) breast cancer may benefit from extended hormone therapy for five years or more after initial treatment. While these medications are proven to reduce the risk of recurrence if taken as prescribed, they come with potential side effects. Your cancer care team can discuss these side effects with you and suggest ways to manage them.

Making lifestyle changes can significantly lower the chances of breast cancer recurrence. Consider quitting smoking, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Additionally, it’s important to attend all follow-up appointments. Your oncology team will monitor you closely with tests and scans to detect any potential recurrence early, when it is more manageable.

Learn more about recurring breast cancer in our blog.