Breast cancer center in Frankfort

The breast cancer care center at Frankfort Regional Medical Center specializes in comprehensive breast care and breast cancer treatment. Our compassionate and professional oncology team can provide a full range of care, from 3D mammography and breast surgery to biopsy and radiation therapy.

To schedule an appointment with us, call (502) 226-1665.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the production of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. Your body routinely replenishes cells in different organs as they age or get damaged. When there is an irregular buildup of extra cells, this is considered abnormal cell growth because your body doesn't need them.

This abundance of cells slowly collects over time to form a tissue mass or a growth called a tumor.

Breast cancer starts in the breasts, but can spread to other parts of your body if it isn't caught at an early stage. When cancer cells form, they break away from where the tumor is and can travel into your blood vessels or lymph vessels (vessels connected to small masses of tissue called lymph nodes). From your vessels, these cancerous cells can attach to other tissues and grow into new tumors.

Our breast imaging services

Accredited by the American College of Radiology, our board-certified radiologists and breast health experts offer advanced diagnostic tools, such as 3D mammography, ultrasounds and stereotactic biopsies for detection and diagnosis.

Types of breast cancer

Breast cancer is classified as one of two types:

  • Ductal carcinoma, also known as infiltrating ductal cancer, which is located in the breast ducts.
  • Lobular carcinoma, also known as infiltrating lobular cancer, which is located in the breast lobules.

Stages of breast cancer

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you know that your healthcare team is very important throughout your journey. Your team may include oncologists, a surgeon, nurse navigator, a dietitian, a social worker or other medical professionals.

Cancers are staged using the TNM staging system, which describes the amount of cancer present and how much it has spread throughout the body.

T: indicates how big the tumor is and whether the cancer has spread into surrounding tissue

N: indicates whether the cancer has spread to surrounding lymph nodes

M: indicates metastasis, which means that cancer has spread to other body parts.

Using TNM, your doctor can diagnose your cancer according to one of the following stages:

  • stage 0: This is an extremely early stage where abnormal cells are present. They may be in the lining of a breast duct, but there has been no spread.
  • stage I: Stage I is an early stage where cancer cells are in the breast tissue but have not spread beyond the breast. The tumor is not more than two centimeters across.
  • stage II: Breast cancer is in this stage two when the tumor is less than two centimeters in size but has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm, is between two and five centimeters and has spread or when it is more than five centimeters, but hasn't spread.
  • stage III: This stage is called locally advanced cancer. The cancer has spread from where it began into nearby tissue and lymph nodes.
  • stage IV: This stage refers to a tumor of any size that has spread to other parts or areas of the body beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes. These areas may include lungs, distant lymph nodes, bones or the brain.

Breast cancer treatment

At Frankfort Regional, breast cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or surgery. Surgery can include a full or partial mastectomy or breast reconstruction surgery. The type of surgery best for you depends on the tumor location.

The importance of nutrition during treatment

Nutrition is an essential part of your care plan when you face a cancer diagnosis, and Frankfort Regional's nutrition services are available to you throughout your journey to recovery.

Eating a well-balanced diet before, during and after treatment can help you feel better, maintain your strength and speed up your recovery. These tips can help keep you on the most successful track to survivorship:

  • Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
  • Choose protein-rich foods
  • Include whole grain foods
  • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day
  • Choose sources of healthy fat
  • Limit sweets and added sugar
  • Stay hydrated
  • Use good dental and oral care
  • Practice food safety
  • Talk to your healthcare team before taking any vitamins or supplements
  • Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all

If you are struggling with any side effects that affect your ability to follow these suggestions, such as loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or any other nutrition concerns, talk to your doctor.

Breast cancer rehabilitation

The effects of cancer and cancer treatment can result in physical limitations. The Rehab Center at Frankfort Regional Medical Center provides sensitive, high-quality care to address these problems. Our physical therapists are experts in helping patients regain mobility, balance, strength, flexibility and endurance.

Treatment for breast cancer can result in multiple problems that limit a patient's ability to return to daily activities. This may include difficulty raising one or both arms to dress or style hair, trouble sleeping, pain, fatigue and swelling in the chest, arm or hand.

Through evaluation, our team determines a personalized, flexible treatment program. We also provide specially trained, certified lymphedema therapists to work with patients who develop edema (swelling) as a result of surgery or radiation therapy.

Contact the Rehab Center at (502) 226-1405 to schedule your appointment.