Why I Became a Breast Cancer Surgeon
For many breast cancer surgeons, the journey into oncology is shaped by both medical training and deeply personal experiences. In this video, Dr. Danielle Bertoni shares how her passion for surgery, mentorship during residency, and her family’s experience with breast cancer led her to specialize in breast surgical oncology.
Key Takeaways
- Breast surgical oncology combines surgery with long-term cancer care
- Personal experiences can shape a physician’s approach to patient care
- Breast cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary team
- High-risk breast cancer awareness is an important part of prevention and care
- Compassionate communication is essential after a cancer diagnosis
What Is a Breast Surgical Oncologist?
A breast surgical oncologist is a surgeon who specializes in:
- Diagnosing breast cancer
- Performing breast cancer surgery
- Coordinating cancer treatment planning
- Caring for high-risk breast patients
These specialists often work closely with:
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Genetic counselors
- Breast imaging specialists
Breast cancer care is highly collaborative and individualized.
Why Do Some Doctors Specialize in Breast Cancer Care?
For many physicians, breast cancer care offers the opportunity to combine:
- Surgery
- Long-term patient relationships
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Personalized treatment planning
Some doctors are also personally affected by cancer within their own families, which may deepen their understanding of the patient experience.
What Is High-Risk Breast Cancer Care?
Some patients have an increased risk of breast cancer because of:
- Family history
- Genetic factors
- Personal medical history
High-risk breast care may involve:
- Earlier screening
- Breast imaging surveillance
- Genetic evaluation
- Preventive counseling
Understanding personal risk factors may help guide screening and prevention strategies.
What Happens After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
After diagnosis, patients often meet with a breast cancer specialist to discuss:
- Cancer stage
- Surgical options
- Chemotherapy recommendations
- Radiation therapy
- Overall treatment planning
Because breast cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, clear communication and support are important parts of care.
Why Is a Multidisciplinary Approach Important?
Breast cancer treatment commonly involves several specialists working together to create an individualized treatment plan.
This may include:
- Breast surgery
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Imaging and pathology review
- Survivorship planning
Coordinated care helps ensure treatment decisions are personalized for each patient.
About Dr. Danielle Bertoni
Dr. Danielle Bertoni is a breast surgical oncologist at the Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center specializing in breast cancer surgery, breast conservation, high-risk breast care, and survivorship.
Video Transcript
Hi, I’m Dr. Danielle Bertoni, a breast surgical oncologist at BASS Cancer Center, and I’ve been treating cancer for 15 years.
My journey to becoming a surgeon started when I was in medical school.
During my surgery rotation, I fell in love with surgery and the ability to help patients through both technical skill and critical thinking.
During residency, I was introduced to breast surgical oncology by a mentor who encouraged me to explore the field.
My perspective deepened when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer while I was a surgical resident.
That experience helped me better understand the patient side of the journey.
I also learned that I have a strong family history of breast cancer, which helped me better understand what high-risk patients experience.
As a breast surgical oncologist, I’m often the first doctor patients see after diagnosis.
It’s important to me to take the time to explain the diagnosis, staging, and treatment options available.
Breast cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, and I love working closely with the entire cancer care team to provide the best care possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a breast surgical oncologist do?
A breast surgical oncologist specializes in diagnosing and surgically treating breast cancer and coordinating cancer care.
What is high-risk breast cancer care?
High-risk breast care focuses on patients with increased breast cancer risk due to genetics, family history, or other factors.
Do breast cancer patients need multiple specialists?
Yes. Breast cancer treatment often involves surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists working together.
What is breast conservation surgery?
Breast conservation surgery removes cancer while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible when appropriate.
Medical Disclaimer: Content provided by BASS Medical Group is intended for general informational purposes only and does not establish a physician-patient relationship. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
