Breast Cancer Care

Expert breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and support—close to home at AnMed.

Technician performing breast mammogram

When you choose AnMed for breast cancer care, you're never alone. From the moment you receive your diagnosis, our team is here to guide you through every step-answering your questions, easing your concerns, and creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

You can expect personalized care, advanced treatment options, and unwavering support from a team that truly cares about your health and well-being.

After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

If your diagnostic tests and breast biopsy indicate breast cancer, you'll need a referral to a cancer specialist at AnMed. One of the first things you'll want to know is your cancer stage.

Waiting can be hard, but your doctors may not know the stage until after surgery and your pathology reports are complete. During this time, your care team will guide you through what to expect and help you prepare for treatment.

Your Breast Cancer Care Team

Lean on your kind, compassionate care team — including your patient navigator — for support throughout your journey. Your patient navigator is a registered nurse who helps you understand your care, answers your questions and connects you with helpful services. 

If you are facing breast cancer, you will also have a dedicated navigator who focuses on your unique needs and supports you through treatment.

Melissa Haynie, RN, BSN, OCN
Breast Health Navigator
864-512-4091
melissa.haynie@anmed.org

First Appointment

Expect a welcoming experience at your first appointment with one of our cancer specialists. You’ll have a breast exam and an in-depth discussion about surgical treatment options. Bring your questions—we’re here to help you feel informed and confident.

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan will be personalized based on your cancer stage and other factors. Your doctors may combine multiple types of treatment for the best outcome.

Common treatments include:

  • Surgery
    • Partial Mastectomy (Lumpectomy): Removes the tumor while preserving as much breast tissue as possible.
    • Mastectomy: Removes one or both breasts as a treatment or preventive measure.
      If your cancer is growing quickly, you may need other treatments before surgery.
  • Chemotherapy
    Uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be a primary treatment, combined with other therapies, or used to shrink tumors before surgery.
  • Targeted Therapy
    Drugs designed to attack specific cancer cell proteins. Often combined with other treatments.
  • Hormone Therapy
    Oral medications that block hormones breast tumors need to grow. May continue for 5–10 years after other treatments.
  • Radiation Therapy
    High-energy waves that kill cancer cells with precision. Often used before or after surgery.

Managing Side Effects

Swelling and other lymphedema symptoms are common after lymph node removal or radiation therapy. Our certified therapists at AnMed Lymphedema Therapy use specialized techniques to reduce swelling and improve comfort.

Support for You and Your Family

Your care at AnMed goes beyond medical treatment. We help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of cancer care. Support groups, classes and counseling connect you with others and make the treatment process easier to navigate.

We offer services for your mind, body and spirit, including:

  • Support groups and the Cancer Resource Center: Connect with others and find helpful information when you need it — in person or online.
  • Impressions Appearance Shoppe: Get mastectomy fittings and products that help you look and feel your best.
  • Counseling and nutrition support: Care for your emotional and physical well-being during treatment.

Follow-Up Care

When you reach remission, we’ll help you stay healthy with regular mammograms and follow-up visits. If you notice new symptoms—such as a lump, skin changes or nipple discharge—contact your doctor right away.

Clinical Trials

AnMed participates in breast cancer clinical trials that give patients access to promising new treatments. Ask your care team if a clinical trial is right for you.

Prevention: Lowering Your Risk

While not all breast cancers can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

  • Schedule regular screenings. Talk with your doctor about when to start mammograms and what tests are right for you.
  • Know your breasts. Perform occasional self-checks to become familiar with how your breasts look and feel. Report any changes right away.
  • Limit alcohol. For breast cancer prevention, there is no safe amount of alcohol. If you drink, limit to one drink per day—or consider avoiding alcohol altogether.
  • Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your healthcare provider for safe strategies.
  • Limit hormone therapy. If you use hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.

For Those at High Risk

If you have a strong family history or genetic risk, talk with your healthcare team about additional options:

  • Preventive medicines: Certain estrogen-blocking drugs may reduce risk for those at very high risk.
  • Preventive surgery: In some cases, surgery to remove breasts (prophylactic mastectomy) or ovaries (prophylactic oophorectomy) may be considered.

These decisions are personal and should be made with your healthcare team.

Your health matters. If you have questions about breast cancer screening, treatment, or prevention, contact our team in Anderson, SC. We’re here to provide expert care and support.

Next Steps

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer—or you’re concerned about your risk—AnMed is here for you. Here’s what you can do now:

  • Ask Your Doctor for a Referral
  • Schedule Your Appointment
    Meet with an AnMed breast cancer specialist to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.
    • Schedule an Appointment
  • Learn About Screening
    Find out when to start mammograms and what screening tests are right for you.
  • Connect with Your Care Team
    Reach out to our Breast Health Navigator for guidance and support.
    Melissa Haynie, RN, BSN, OCN
    Phone: 864-512-4091 | Email: melissa.haynie@anmed.org
  • Explore Support Services
    From prosthesis fittings to support groups, we offer resources for your mind, body, and spirit.
  • Ask About Clinical Trials
    Discover innovative treatments through breast cancer clinical trials at AnMed.