Sutter Solano Cancer Center Gives Patients
Access to State-of-the-Art Treatment
Statistics regarding breast cancer from the American Cancer Society paint a positive picture: incidence was stable from 2005-2009 and deaths have been steadily decreasing since 1989. Still, the ACS estimates that more than 232,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year, and nearly 40,000 women will die from it—making it the second deadliest cancer for women (after lung cancer).
No one is immune from breast cancer. Many of the risk factors—being female, advancing age, family history, early menarche and late menopause—can’t be changed. Risk factors that can be changed include obesity, use of hormone replacement therapy, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption.
As is true for all cancers, early detection is key to successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms beginning at age 40. In addition, MRI scans may be appropriate for some women who are at high risk.
Solano County women diagnosed with breast cancer are fortunate to have state-of-the-art treatment available at the Sutter Solano Cancer Center in Vallejo. Our multidisciplinary team includes professionals to treat and guide patients throughout their cancer odyssey: surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists and patient navigators. In addition, several support groups are available for patients and their families – helping heal them as a whole.
Being under one roof helps our team’s ability to communicate and be on the same page, which leads to a higher level of personalized care. We understand how anxious patients are after receiving a cancer diagnosis and take the time to ensure they understand all their options and can make thoughtful decisions about the right treatment plan for them.
The treatment of breast cancer is individualized; a number of factors will determine the recommended course of action for each patient, including the size, grade, node status and stage of the tumor and whether it’s hormone receptor positive or negative. Treatment alternatives may include mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormone-blocking therapy and targeted/biologic therapy. As an American College of Surgeons-accredited cancer treatment facility, the Sutter Solano Cancer Center team is well equipped to provide patients with the tools, information and resources they need to make decisions regarding their treatment.
Dr. Rasila, a member of Sutter Medical Group and the Sutter Solano Cancer Center medical team, specializes in medical oncology and hematology. She sees patients in Fairfield and Vacaville and can be reached at 707-427-4900.
