Remarkable care and outcomes are the hallmarks of breast cancer care at Virginia Mason. We treat thousands of patients each year using the most progressive care approaches available.

We use a team approach to treat breast cancer that brings surgical, radiological and medical oncologists together with plastic and reconstructive surgeons, physical therapists and other specialists. This enables us to evaluate patients from every angle and create a treatment plan that gives each patient the best chance of a good outcome.

Here are some reasons why patients choose Virginia Mason for breast cancer treatment:

State-of-the-Art Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

We use the latest technologies and treatments, including:.

• 3D mammography and MRI-guided breast biopsies, which help accurately diagnose and understand a patient’s cancer.
• Whole-breast automated screening ultrasound, which can uncover certain breast cancers that are hard to detect via a physical exam or mammogram. We're the first medical center in the region to offer this technology.
• Partial breast radiation, which uses a catheter to deliver targeted radiation to the lumpectomy site. This approach enables us to treat patients in just five consecutive days after surgery.
• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), where we treat patients with a single dose of radiation at the time of surgery. Virginia Mason is the first medical center in Washington state to offer this therapy in a clinical trial.

Expert Breast Cancer Surgeons

Virginia Mason patients have access to every available surgical technique for breast cancer — from minimally-invasive procedures to full breast reconstruction. Our oncoplastic and plastic surgeons can often reshape and restore a patient's breast at the time of lumpectomy, eliminating the need for future surgeries.

Breast Cancer Care Managers

We make it as easy as possible for patients to navigate care, by putting breast cancer care managers at the center of every patient's care team. These care managers support patients throughout their cancer journey and are here to address all questions and concerns.

Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families can receive immediate guidance from our nurse coordinators by calling (206) 223-6633.

Breast Cancer Clinical Trials

Virginia Mason is relentlessly devoted to providing exceptional health care — which is why we conduct clinical studies to improve the way we diagnose, treat and prevent disease. Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), oversees all clinical research at Virginia Mason, uniquely combining the expertise of a world-renowned medical research institute with the remarkable care of a health care quality leader.

For more than 20 years, the goal of our clinical research program has been to provide each of our patients with a research option at every step of their disease, from initial diagnosis to long-term follow-up. Our trials include the use of chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapies, as well quality of life/symptom management trials. Learn more about our current breast cancer clinical trials.

Support at Every Step

A breast cancer diagnosis touches all aspects of a patient's life. That's why we offer a wide array of support services to help patients cope with every aspect of diagnosis, treatment and recovery — from the time they're diagnosed until years after they're cancer-free.