Breast Cancer Treatment
UHS provides those diagnosed with breast cancer access to comprehensive care, state-of-the-art technology and a multispecialty team to coordinate the best breast cancer treatment options for you in New York's Southern Tier. Some brief information is provided below about several treatment options available at UHS. This information may be helpful when you speak with your healthcare provider.
The treatment options available to you will depend on a number of factors including:
- The type of tumor
- The extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis
- Your age
- Your medical history
Your personal feelings about treatment, your self-image, your family history and your lifestyle will also be important considerations in your healthcare provider’s assessment and recommendations. You and your physician should discuss these treatment methods and how they apply to your situation. Understanding all your options from the beginning of your diagnosis allows you to have all of the information you need to make an informed and rational decision about your New York breast cancer treatment from UHS.
Lumpectomy
During a lumpectomy, both the tumor and a wedge of normal tissue surrounding the cancer are removed. A margin of normal tissue must be cut out to ensure the tumor has been completely removed. Lumpectomy is followed by approximately 6 weeks of radiation therapy administered at our breast cancer treatment center in New York's Southern Tier.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast; it refers to a number of different procedures, including modified radical mastectomy, total (or simple) mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy and radical mastectomy. Based on the size and location of the mass in your breast, your surgeon will recommend the type of surgery that offers you the best chance of successful treatment.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Sentinel node biopsy is a surgical procedure used to determine if cancer has spread beyond a primary tumor into your lymphatic system. Sentinel node biopsy involves injecting a tracer material that helps locate the sentinel nodes during surgery. The sentinel nodes are removed and analyzed by a pathologist.
Axillary Node Dissection
Axillary node dissection involves removing at least 6 of the lymph nodes under the arm. These nodes are then sent to a pathologist to be checked for cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiationtherapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It affects cells only in the part of the body that is treated. Radiation therapy may be used as a part of our breast cancer treatment in New York after surgery to destroy breast cancer cells that remain in the area.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs that treat breast cancer are usually given through a vein (intravenous) or as a pill. Most women receive a combination of drugs. The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on which drugs are given and how much. Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cancer cells, but the drugs can also harm normal cells that divide rapidly.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is also called anti-hormone treatment. If lab tests show that the tumor in your breast has hormone receptors, then hormone therapy may be an option. Hormone therapy keeps cancer cells from getting or using the natural hormones (estrogen and progesterone) they need to grow.
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Team UHS participates in Johnson City National Night OutAugust 07, 2025On Tuesday August 5, UHS joined forces with local law enforcement and the Johnson City Neighborhood Project to participate in the National Night Out event at Schorr Family Firehouse Stage in Johnson City.
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UHS pediatricians share tips for back-to-school readinessAugust 05, 2025While summer can be a busy time for families, it also provides a good opportunity to schedule a check-up and update your child’s immunizations before school resumes in the fall. Booking early can ensure a convenient appointment with your child’s provider.
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Temporary Closure of Johnson City Retail Pharmacy LobbyAugust 01, 2025The lobby of the Johnson City Retail Pharmacy, located at 345 Main Street, will be closed for renovation on Tuesday, August 5 and Wednesday, August 6 between the hours of 6am and 3pm.
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UHS Delaware Valley Hospital holds CT Ribbon Cutting and Open HouseAugust 01, 2025UHS Delaware Valley Hospital (DVH) celebrated the installation of a state-of-the-art CT scanning machine with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 31.