The UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center encompasses a multitude of clinical programs devoted to serving the needs of breast cancer patients, patients with benign breast disorders, and healthy individuals who seek state-of-the-art breast cancer risk analysis and yearly screening.

Our multidisciplinary approach partners patients with medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and breast imagers in the same facility to ensure comprehensive and seamless care.

We are dedicated to:

• Providing the highest quality of care for individuals with benign and malignant breast disorders;
• Developing new therapeutic approaches to improve breast cancer care; and
• Aiding in the search for scientific insights that will lead to a cure for breast cancer.

Continuing to develop new and progressive diagnostic and treatment methods for patients in conjunction with laboratory research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the Center for Breast Care is a cornerstone of UT Southwestern’s Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Breast Cancer Program is staffed by some of the nation’s leaders in breast disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and is well known for the highest standards of quality in patient care, education and research.

UT Southwestern’s Breast Imaging Services is nationally recognized for providing state-of-the-art digital and film technology for screening and diagnostic mammography, combined-modality breast imaging that fuses mammography with ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging, CT-like images of the breast, and stereotactic breast biopsy guidance. The breast cancer center employs cutting-edge technology for the precise diagnosis of diseases of the breast.

UT Southwestern’s researchers and clinicians are nationally recognized leaders in the development and use of radiation therapies to precisely target breast tumors, while sparing surrounding tissues. The rapid advancement of radiotherapy techniques and imaging technologies has enabled specialists to determine the location, shape and size of breast tumors with an unprecedented level of precision. This permits delivery of the most effective radiation treatments available whether the entire breast is treated or just a small part.

Our breast cancer physicians recognize that no two patients are exactly alike. Individualized cutting-edge treatment plans are designed for each patient based on a comprehensive laboratory analysis of each tumor.  Every treatment plan includes supportive measures to minimize side effects and to promote a patient's quality of life and well-being through the treatment process.

UT Southwestern’s breast surgeons are committed to preserving the breast whenever possible and to using minimally invasive techniques that reduce the risk of lymphedema. Breast MRI is frequently a component of the initial evaluation to exactly define the extent of breast disease. If a mastectomy is required, a team of plastic surgeons is available to ensure the best reconstruction possible.

For patients with a family history of breast cancer or high-risk benign breast conditions, the Mary L. Brown Breast Cancer Genetics and Risk Assessment Program provides systematic, comprehensive risk counseling using state-of-the-art software developed at UT Southwestern. Where appropriate, the risk analysis is refined using genetic testing or molecular evaluation of the patient’s own breast cells as part of a clinical trial. Risk-reducing strategies, including enhanced surveillance with MRI, chemoprevention or prophylactic surgery are available in the center.

A number of additional outstanding clinical services and research programs are encompassed in UT Southwestern’s Breast Cancer Program.  A few examples include nutritional counseling,  pre- and post-operative adjuvant treatment trials, psychosocial care through support groups and biological assessment of tumor cells in the blood stream. These serve as the focus for many clinical trials that are initiated by physicians on our team.