Health & Wellness
Gig Harbor Oncologist and Breast Cancer Specialist: Early Cancer Detection Saves Lives
This article is provided by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and St. Anthony Hospital, which sponsors Gig Harbor Now’s Health and Wellness coverage. Gig Harbor Now retains editorial control over its health and wellness coverage under the sponsorship agreement.
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Health and Wellness stories are made possible in part by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a proud sponsor of Gig Harbor Now.
One in eight women in the United States will experience a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. While “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” officially wrapped up in October, it is never too late (or early) to educate yourself on proactive steps you can take to protect yourself or a loved one.
Amanda Sun, MD, PhD, a seasoned oncologist who recently joined the team at St. Anthony Hospital, says the message is simple: early detection saves lives.
Dr. Sun has seen a dynamic shift in what a breast cancer diagnosis can mean to a patient over the last 10-15 years of her career. When I first started practicing, an advanced breast cancer diagnosis was a death sentence,” she recounted. “Treatments were not nearly as advanced or targeted as they are today and new advancements continue to happen each year that improve outcomes and also patients’ quality of life during treatment.”
Thanks to researchers and dedicated oncologists like Dr. Sun, treatments are now individualized to a patient’s specific cancer type and genetic makeup instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. Today, physicians can identify the specific changes of breast cancer a patient has and tailor a treatment to improve a patient’s prognosis.
Mammograms, an x-ray of the breast, have also greatly evolved, enhancing breast cancer screening.
“2D mammograms have advanced to 3D, which is particularly beneficial for women with dense breasts where abnormalities can be harder to spot,” she said. For women with extremely dense breasts, MRI or ultrasound can be explored.
Dr. Sun recommends having a conversation with a primary care provider to determine when it is best to start screening. For most women, breast cancer screenings should begin by the age of 40, depending on individual risk factors. You can take a risk assessment online.
“No matter what, every woman needs to get a mammogram, starting no later than age 45,” she advises.
She also says it’s important to listen to your body and take action.
“If you feel abnormalities or changes in your breasts, seek medical attention immediately,” she urged. “Don’t delay as you know your body better than anyone.”
Most importantly, Dr. Sun wants to remind the community that no matter what your screening results may be, there is hope and a strong chance of stopping the cancer when it is detected early.
“Having worked in both research and with patients for many years, I have so much hope and a positive outlook for my patients.”
As a longtime Gig Harbor resident, Dr. Sun says what she enjoys most is caring for people in her community. Dr. Sun has practiced in the South Sound region since 2009. She views her role not just through the lens of science, but through human connection.
“It is an incredible privilege to be in people’s lives at a time of difficulty and vulnerability,” Dr. Sun shared. “My patients teach me so much about humility and resilience. Life is not all about medicine. It’s about that human touch – the human connection.”
St. Anthony Hospital offers comprehensive cancer care services close to home including surgery, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging and more. Ancillary services such as pharmacy support, nutritional services, and complementary therapies like acupuncture and massage are also available. Palliative care and psychosocial support are provided for patients with advanced cancer, complemented by the hospital’s ability to offer hospice care when necessary.
