What a Breast Surgeon Wants Patients to Know About Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Their Treatment Options

In the United States, the CDC reports that more than 276,400 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer annually, along with 48,530 new non-invasive breast cancer cases. Breast cancer also affects approximately 2,600 men each year. The statistics of survival are increasing, which is mostly due to patient education and early diagnosis.

Breast cancer most often begins in the cells that line the ducts, or nipples, but can begin in any of the breast tissues. The primary way that breast cancer spreads is through the lymphatic vessels of the breast, often growing into the lymph nodes.

Dr. Diane Durgan, a breast surgeon with BayCare Medical Group, is passionate about improving breast cancer survival rates, and educating patients on the importance of screening and getting tested for genetic risk factors. Dr. Durgan has extensive training in innovative surgical techniques and a passion for helping all patients. She has a keen interest in working to eliminate the health disparities that persist in breast cancer both here locally in our community and abroad on mission trips. Along with being a medical doctor and surgeon, Dr. Durgan also holds a master’s degree in public health.

We caught up with Dr. Durgan to learn more about her expertise in breast health and breast surgery.

“Our approach to breast cancer and breast health is a multidisciplinary and comprehensive team approach of oncologists, surgical experts, radiologists, plastic surgeons, and pathologists on our tumor board,” Dr. Durgan explained. “Together, we discuss and review imaging and pathology in depth, and coordinate the patient’s best plan of care.”

“We have a Breast Center of Excellence program accredited under the NAPBC (National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers) guidelines and have to meet, adhere to, and maintain high-level patient care, standards, and resources. We put patients first at St Joseph’s Hospital. Patients needing a basic, screening mammogram can schedule an appointment at any BayCare imaging center without a physician referral.

“I also explain to my patients the importance of being your own advocate and doing your own monthly breast exams, especially younger patients who are not yet getting annual mammograms. Women often find lumps or changes on their own and letting your doctor know about any concerns in your breasts is a critical step in early diagnosis, along with screenings at the appropriate age. To determine what age you should start getting mammograms you should have a breast cancer risk assessment done by your primary care doctor, which will take into account your family history and personal history of any breast biopsies that have been done. For women at average risk getting annual mammograms starting at age 40 is strongly recommended to ensure overall breast health and optimal treatment; the earlier you are diagnosed, the better your outcomes will be.

“I take time with my patients to assess their breast cancer lifetime risk, discuss imaging options, and options for genetic testing. For patients that have already been diagnosed with cancer, I make sure to spend ample time with my patients to give a detailed explanation of their diagnosis and all available treatment options. We understand and recognize the need for support and guidance during a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare. We provide a supportive network to assist patients in learning about the process and we will help them navigate through all available resources including nutrition and lifestyle changes if patients are interested in maximizing their overall health.”

If you or someone you know notice changes in breast health or need a mammogram, contact BayCare Medical Group.

Conditions treated/Procedures offered:
• Abnormal breast imaging
• Breast diseases including malignancies, cysts, breast masses/lumps
• Genetic counseling and education
• Genetic testing for BRCA ½ mutation
• Hidden scar breast-conserving surgery
• Hidden scar surgery
• High-risk evaluation
• Lymphedema prevention
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy
• Oncoplastic surgery
• Partial breast irradiation
• Procedures including ultrasound-guided cyst aspirations, excisional biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy
• Risk reduction education
• Surgical and nonsurgical treatments of male breast disease
• Wireless surgical guidance (SAVI SCOUT® lumpectomy)

Diane Durgan, MD, MPH
Dr. Diane Durgan is board-certified in general surgery and focuses her practice in breast surgical oncology. She completed her undergraduate studies in community health and Spanish from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. She continued her medical education by completing a general surgery residency at Stamford Hospital/Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in Stamford, Connecticut. Dr. Durgan then completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. As a member of BayCare Medical Group in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Durgan treats patients with a wide variety of breast disorders and is deeply committed to the well-being of her patients. She takes a thorough and precise approach to her consultations to ensure that she is consistently providing the highest level of care to all her patients. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Association of Women Surgeons, the American Society of Breast Surgery, and the Society of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Durgan speaks Spanish and is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.

BayCare Medical Group
Breast Surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North
4211 Van Dyke Road, Suite 200
Lutz, FL 33558
Phone: (813) 264-6490