BCH is fully committed to providing the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary breast cancer program in Colorado. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer afflicting Boulder County women. Luckily, breast cancer is also highly treatable if detected early.
Our approach to breast cancer care incorporates the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available, as well as a high level of communication and coordination between our physicians. In addition, we offer invaluable emotional support services through our wide range of in-house specialists and programs.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Resources
BCH is at the forefront of the latest advances in diagnostic technology for breast cancer. We were first to offer state-of-the-art digital mammography in Boulder County. Available at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital, Community Medical Center, Boulder Medical Center and Medical Imaging Center of Broomfield, this groundbreaking diagnostic technology is key to the fight against breast cancer. Digital mammography produces quicker results and uses less radiation than standard film mammography. Patients benefit from more accurate detection of abnormalities, shorter exam times, and reduced need for repeat mammograms.
BCH also features the most advanced technology currently available for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast. With an MRI, doctors can non-invasively determine what the inside of the breast looks like without having to do surgery or flatten the breast (as in a mammogram). Each exam produces hundreds of images of the breast, cross-sectional in three directions, and no radiation is involved. Breast MRI screenings can detect small breast lesions sometimes missed in a traditional mammogram, and can successfully visualize breast implants and the dense breast tissue common in younger women.
Our Women’s Imaging Center at Foothills Hospital has a breast-specific gamma camera, one of only two available in all of Colorado. The gamma camera provides clear, extremely precise images that help distinguish cancer tissue from non-cancer tissue in the breast. The camera can thoroughly examine exceptionally dense breast tissue and ultra-small tumors that are less than 10 millimeters.
Another important diagnostic tool in the fight against breast cancer is stereotactic breast biopsy. This outpatient, non-surgical procedure is used to determine if breast abnormalities are cancerous or non-cancerous. Physicians can make a rapid, accurate and conclusive cancer diagnosis without surgery. For the patient, a biopsy causes minimal scarring and involves less trauma, pain, time and expense than surgery.
We’re proud that three of our imaging facilities -- Boulder Community Hospital, Boulder Community Foothills Hospital and Boulder Medical Center -- have been designated “Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence” by the American College of Radiology (a national organization dedicated to advancing the science of radiology and improving patient care). After thorough peer review evaluations, each of these BCH imaging locations were determined to have superior practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.
Coordinated Care
We offer inpatient cancer care at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital. Experienced and specially trained nurses provide personalized care to acutely ill cancer patients and their families. In addition, we designed the Tebo Family Medical Pavilion to provide optimal access to outpatient cancer treatments. Whether you’re at Tebo or in the hospital, all breast cancer patients have access to an extensive range of treatment services, including cutting-edge cancer fighting equipment, advanced radiation therapy and clinical trials of new cancer fighting drugs.
Breast cancer patients also benefit from the Tebo Pavilion’s Center for Integrative Care, where they can take advantage of many complementary therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and healing touch. We believe it’s vitally important that patients receive added physical, emotional and spiritual support to help them through the healing and recovery process.
Additional Support Services
Breast cancer patients have access to other valuable resources offered by BCH, including the Breast Health Navigator, extensive rehabilitation services and emotional support groups.
Cancer Support Specialists
Our Breast Health Navigator, Nanna Christensen, is an experienced oncology nurse who provides services solely for breast cancer patients and their families. She offers patients much needed educational and emotional support and provides personalized guidance through breast cancer treatment, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond. BCH was the first hospital in Boulder County to offer patients this valuable resource. For more information, call Nanna at 720.854.7057.
Emotional Support
In addition to the Breast Health Navigator, BCH offers a variety of valuable programs for enhanced emotional support. We offer The Seven Levels of Healing® a seven-week educational program that helps patients, family members and loved ones navigate the journey through cancer as skillfully and effectively as possible. We also offer a range of support groups for breast cancer patients and their families.
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation can decrease swelling and pain and help patients regain their range of motion more quickly. BCH offers one of the best post-mastectomy programs available, with skilled therapists providing one-on-one care to help ensure a successful recovery. The hospital also has an extensive outpatient rehabilitation services program to support the physical, social and vocational needs of breast cancer patients.
Our approach to breast cancer care incorporates the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available, as well as a high level of communication and coordination between our physicians. In addition, we offer invaluable emotional support services through our wide range of in-house specialists and programs.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Resources
BCH is at the forefront of the latest advances in diagnostic technology for breast cancer. We were first to offer state-of-the-art digital mammography in Boulder County. Available at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital, Community Medical Center, Boulder Medical Center and Medical Imaging Center of Broomfield, this groundbreaking diagnostic technology is key to the fight against breast cancer. Digital mammography produces quicker results and uses less radiation than standard film mammography. Patients benefit from more accurate detection of abnormalities, shorter exam times, and reduced need for repeat mammograms.BCH also features the most advanced technology currently available for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast. With an MRI, doctors can non-invasively determine what the inside of the breast looks like without having to do surgery or flatten the breast (as in a mammogram). Each exam produces hundreds of images of the breast, cross-sectional in three directions, and no radiation is involved. Breast MRI screenings can detect small breast lesions sometimes missed in a traditional mammogram, and can successfully visualize breast implants and the dense breast tissue common in younger women.
Our Women’s Imaging Center at Foothills Hospital has a breast-specific gamma camera, one of only two available in all of Colorado. The gamma camera provides clear, extremely precise images that help distinguish cancer tissue from non-cancer tissue in the breast. The camera can thoroughly examine exceptionally dense breast tissue and ultra-small tumors that are less than 10 millimeters.
Another important diagnostic tool in the fight against breast cancer is stereotactic breast biopsy. This outpatient, non-surgical procedure is used to determine if breast abnormalities are cancerous or non-cancerous. Physicians can make a rapid, accurate and conclusive cancer diagnosis without surgery. For the patient, a biopsy causes minimal scarring and involves less trauma, pain, time and expense than surgery.
We’re proud that three of our imaging facilities -- Boulder Community Hospital, Boulder Community Foothills Hospital and Boulder Medical Center -- have been designated “Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence” by the American College of Radiology (a national organization dedicated to advancing the science of radiology and improving patient care). After thorough peer review evaluations, each of these BCH imaging locations were determined to have superior practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.
Coordinated Care
An integral part of our breast cancer program is the high level of communication and coordination between our physicians. Our doctors work closely together to develop comprehensive individualized treatment plans that meet each patient’s specific needs. Each week, doctors specializing in medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, surgery, plastic surgery and pathology meet to jointly plan care for every newly diagnosed breast cancer patient. They are joined by other members of our breast care team, including social workers, physical therapists, physician assistants specializing in cancer care, imaging technologists and clinical trial coordinators, along with our breast health navigator, cancer registrar and director of cancer care services. The collective expertise and experience of all these clinical professionals helps ensure that each patient receives optimal care.
Full Range of Treatments
The decision to pursue breast cancer treatment—surgery, then perhaps radiation, hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy, and/or chemotherapy—can be emotionally overwhelming. As a breast cancer center of excellence, Boulder Community Hospital is committed to providing the technology and expertise to guide patients through the entire continuum of care. Full Range of Treatments
We offer inpatient cancer care at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital. Experienced and specially trained nurses provide personalized care to acutely ill cancer patients and their families. In addition, we designed the Tebo Family Medical Pavilion to provide optimal access to outpatient cancer treatments. Whether you’re at Tebo or in the hospital, all breast cancer patients have access to an extensive range of treatment services, including cutting-edge cancer fighting equipment, advanced radiation therapy and clinical trials of new cancer fighting drugs.
Breast cancer patients also benefit from the Tebo Pavilion’s Center for Integrative Care, where they can take advantage of many complementary therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and healing touch. We believe it’s vitally important that patients receive added physical, emotional and spiritual support to help them through the healing and recovery process.
Additional Support Services
Breast cancer patients have access to other valuable resources offered by BCH, including the Breast Health Navigator, extensive rehabilitation services and emotional support groups.
Cancer Support Specialists
Our Breast Health Navigator, Nanna Christensen, is an experienced oncology nurse who provides services solely for breast cancer patients and their families. She offers patients much needed educational and emotional support and provides personalized guidance through breast cancer treatment, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond. BCH was the first hospital in Boulder County to offer patients this valuable resource. For more information, call Nanna at 720.854.7057.
Emotional Support
In addition to the Breast Health Navigator, BCH offers a variety of valuable programs for enhanced emotional support. We offer The Seven Levels of Healing® a seven-week educational program that helps patients, family members and loved ones navigate the journey through cancer as skillfully and effectively as possible. We also offer a range of support groups for breast cancer patients and their families.
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation can decrease swelling and pain and help patients regain their range of motion more quickly. BCH offers one of the best post-mastectomy programs available, with skilled therapists providing one-on-one care to help ensure a successful recovery. The hospital also has an extensive outpatient rehabilitation services program to support the physical, social and vocational needs of breast cancer patients.
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