Breast Cancer Care

Expert breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and support – accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the Commission on Cancer.

Comprehensive Care for Every Stage of Breast Cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team provides coordinated, personalized care from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, with specialists working together to create the right plan for you.

What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Nationally accredited breast cancer program
  • Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference reviews every breast cancer case
  • Experienced multidisciplinary team includes breast surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists
  • Dedicated breast nurse navigator to guide you at every step

Breast Cancer Screening

Routine breast cancer screening plays a critical role in early detection. Mammography is the most common screening tool and can detect cancer before symptoms appear. 

When you choose AnMed for your mammogram, you can feel confident you’re receiving high‑quality, accredited care. AnMed Women’s Diagnostics in Anderson and AnMed Cannon Imaging in Pickens are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), meeting rigorous standards for safety, image quality, and patient care. Our onsite, board‑certified radiologists use advanced imaging technology to deliver accurate results you can trust. Best of all, you can schedule your screening mammogram online—often with same‑day or next‑day appointments—making it easy to fit this important test into your routine.

AnMed provider assisting a cancer patient

Diagnosis and Your Care Journey

Your care is carefully coordinated from the moment a concern is identified through treatment and recovery.

Diagnostic Imaging and Biopsy

  • Most breast cancers are found through imaging (mammogram, ultrasound or MRI).
  • Biopsy is performed by a radiologist at the AnMed Women’s Diagnostics center to confirm the diagnosis.

Nurse Navigator Review and Coordination

  • A breast nurse navigator reviews your results with you.
  • Appointments are coordinated for follow-up imaging, genetic counseling and surgical consultation.

Consultation with a Breast Surgeon

  • Your breast surgeon is typically your first physician visit.
  • The surgeon will explain your diagnosis, review surgical options and outline next steps.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference Review

  • Your case is reviewed by a team of specialists from multiple disciplines.
  • The team collaborates to confirm and refine your personalized treatment plan.
  • Learn more about AnMed's Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference

Personalized Treatment Begins

  • Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy.

Your Care Team

Breast cancer care involves a team of specialists working together on your behalf. Your team may include:

Nurse Navigator

Your navigator is your first and ongoing point of contact after diagnosis. They help coordinate appointments and testing, guide you through each step of care, answer questions and connect you with resources.

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

Melissa Haynie, RN, BSN, OCN Breast Health Navigator

Breast Surgeons

Your breast surgeon is typically the first physician you meet after diagnosis and plays a central role in your care plan.

The surgeon will review your diagnosis, explain options, discuss surgical treatment approaches, and work with the Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference to review and finalize your care plan.

William S. Buice, MD Physician in Chief AnMed Cancer Center
William S. Buice, MD 
Physician in Chief,
Breast Surgeon
AnMed Cancer Center
James G. Foster III, MD Breast Surgeon AnMed Cancer Center
James G. Foster III, MD 
Breast Surgeon
AnMed Cancer Center

Multidisciplinary Care Team

AnMed's Multidisciplinary Care Team

Your multidisciplinary care team brings together specialists who work as a group to plan your care. Through the Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference, they review your diagnosis and develop a coordinated treatment plan tailored to you.

Treatment Options

Breast cancer treatment is personalized based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as your overall health and preferences. Your care team will recommend a combination of therapies as needed.

  • Breast Surgery
    • Lumpectomy removes the tumor while preserving breast tissue
    • Mastectomy removes one or both breasts, depending on treatment or prevention needs
    • Breast reconstruction can be coordinated with a plastic surgeon when needed
       
    • Learn more about cancer surgery at AnMed.
  • Reconstructive Surgery

    Surgical options that restore breast shape following mastectomy. Often performed at the same time as cancer surgery or later, breast reconstruction can help patients feel more comfortable and confident after treatment.

  • Radiation Therapy

    High energy treatment that targets and destroys cancer cells with precision. Often used after surgery to target remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

  • Chemotherapy

    Uses medication to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. If chemotherapy is recommended prior to surgery, your surgeon will refer you to a medical oncologist.

  • Targeted Therapy

    Focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects.

     

  • Immunotherapy

    Treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, often used to treat triple-negative breast cancer and certain other forms of cancer.

  • Hormone Therapy

    Oral medications that block hormones that fuel certain types of breast cancer.

Lymphedema Screening and Prevention

Some patients may experience swelling, or lymphedema, after lymph node removal or radiation therapy.

To support early detection and treatment:

  • AnMed is one of the few healthcare providers in South Carolina to use SOZO, a quick and painless screening tool used before surgery to measure baseline fluid levels.
  • This helps identify early signs of lymphedema before visible swelling occurs.

If needed, our certified lymphedema therapists provide specialized care to:

  • Reduce swelling
  • Improve comfort and mobility
  • Support long-term recovery

Support and Survivorship

AnMed Impressions Appearance Shoppe

Cancer care goes beyond treatment. We offer services to support your physical and emotional well-being, 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 to help you look and feel your best.
  • Counseling and nutrition support: Care for your emotional and physical well-being during treatment.
  • Follow up and survivorship 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.
  • Oncology rehabilitation and exercise program

Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence during and after treatment. 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about AnMed Breast Cancer Care

What are the early signs of breast cancer?

Early signs of breast cancer can include a lump in your breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, redness, or nipple discharge. Some people do not notice symptoms right away, which is why routine breast cancer screening is important.

When should you start breast cancer screening?

Most women should begin regular breast cancer screening with mammograms around age 40, but your timing may vary based on your risk factors. Your provider can help you decide when to start and how often you should be screened.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Breast cancer diagnosis usually begins with imaging, such as a mammogram or ultrasound. If something suspicious is found, a biopsy is performed to confirm whether cancer is present and to determine the type and stage.

What are the main types of breast cancer treatment?

Breast cancer treatment often includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. Your treatment plan is based on your cancer type, stage, and overall health.

What are breast cancer surgery options?

Common breast cancer surgery options include lumpectomy, which removes the tumor, and mastectomy, which removes part or all of the breast. Your surgeon will recommend the option that best fits your diagnosis and goals.

What is a multidisciplinary breast cancer care team?

A multidisciplinary breast cancer care team includes specialists such as breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and radiologists. These experts work together to create a coordinated treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What happens after breast cancer treatment ends?

After treatment, you will continue with follow-up care to monitor your health and recovery. Breast cancer survivorship care may include regular exams, imaging, and support services to help you manage long-term effects and stay well.