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Your breast cancer care is provided by a team of specialists.
Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of these.
For most people, treatment begins with surgery to remove the cancer. Some people start with chemotherapy or radiation therapy instead.
Surgery for breast cancer
Surgery for breast cancer is performed by general surgeons at the following hospitals:
- Victoria General
- Royal Jubilee
- Saanich Peninsula
- Lady Minto
- Cowichan District
- Nanaimo Regional
- West Coast General
- North Island Hospital - Campbell River
Breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is performed by plastic surgeons in Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River.
Find information on breast reconstruction.
Radiation treatments
Radiation treatments are provided at the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre in Victoria.
Chemotherapy can be given in most communities across the island through the BC Cancer Agency's Communities Oncology Network.
Your treatment will depend on:
- The type and stage of your cancer
- Your overall health
- What matters most to you
Your care team will explain your options and support you in making the decisions that are right for you.
Patient information booklets
Patient Information booklets are the "how to manual" for preparing for, and recovering from, breast surgery.
They are available for those having surgery for breast cancer at Victoria General, Royal Jubilee, and Saanich Peninsula hospitals.
The appropriate booklet is emailed to you prior to surgery by the Breast Health Patient Navigator.
Download a breast surgery booklet:
- Getting Ready for Breast Surgery
- Getting Ready for Tissue Expansion or Direct to Implant Reconstruction
- Getting Ready for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Vancouver Island Cancer Centre
The Vancouver Island Cancer Centre team is here to provide high-quality cancer care and support throughout your treatment.
Depending on your needs, your care team may include doctors, nurses, radiation therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, and other health-care professionals.
Tumour tissue repository
If you are having surgery at the Royal Jubilee or Victoria General Hospitals, your surgeon may ask if you wish to donate your tissue and a blood sample to the Tumor Tissue Repository (TTR) at the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre.
If you are interested, your name will be forwarded to the TTR nurse, who will contact you, explain the program and set up a time for an interview.
If you would like more information, you may contact the TTR nurse directly by email or call 250-519-5713.