Knowing how your breasts normally feel and look will help you identify any changes or abnormalities that may occur. The first symptom people typically notice is a lump in the breast or armpit. While each person’s experience is different, common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Swelling or thickening of the breast
- Pain in the nipple or breast
- Change in the shape, size or appearance of the breast
- Irritation, redness or dimpling of breast skin
- A newly inverted nipple
- Discharge from the nipple that is not breast milk
- Swollen or painful lymph nodes in the armpit
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your primary care provider right away. Early detection plays a large role in the success of treatment.
Breast cancer can affect anyone. However, there are several factors that increase your risk of developing the disease, including:
- Family history – Did your mom, grandmother or sister have breast cancer? Since breast cancer forms when DNA changes, family genes can affect your risk level. It is important to note that if you have an increased risk for breast cancer due to family history, it is suggested that you start annual mammograms earlier than age 40. Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions about screenings.
- Ethnicity – Breast cancer is typically more common in Caucasian and African American women. However, it is the most common cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women.
- Diet – Maintaining a healthy diet is important. Diets high in fat and carbohydrates can lead to being overweight, which can increase your risk.
- Exercise habits – As with eating healthy, regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, decreasing your risk.
Since breast cancer can develop from changes in DNA and other risk factors like family history, there is no way to fully prevent breast cancer. The good news, though, is there are several lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, try to:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol – It is recommended that women who drink have no more than one alcoholic drink per day. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces liquor.
- Consider breastfeeding – For women who give birth, breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer.
1 in 8 American women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Early detection is key to positive treatment outcomes.
The most effective way to detect breast cancer is with a mammogram. According to the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, all women get an annual mammogram every year starting at age 40. For women who are at an increased risk for breast cancer due to a genetic mutation like the BRCA gene or a family history may need to begin screening even earlier.
An additional, and important, technique that allows individuals to regularly screen themselves is a breast self-examination. Both men and women should perform monthly self-exams once a month starting around age 18. This is one way to detect potential signs of breast cancer early.
Screening Options
Breast Mammogram
Mammograms are low-dose x-rays that take photos of the breast and can help detect abnormalities. Not only do mammograms spot masses, they can also detect abnormal cells in the lining of the breast duct, which can turn into invasive cancer.
A 3D mammogram is a type of mammogram that combines multiple breast x-rays to create a 3D image. This type of mammogram is recommended for people with dense breast tissue or who may not show signs or symptoms. Yearly mammograms should begin at the age of 40 and even earlier for those with a family history of breast cancer.
Bronson offers self-scheduling for mammograms. Learn more, find an office and schedule your annual mammogram now.
Additional Testing Options
Depending on your mammogram results and other risk factors, additional testing may be ordered, such as:
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is a scan that uses sound waves to capture a detailed photo called a sonogram. The sonogram helps doctors determine what type of mass is detected. Some masses may be fluid-filled like cysts and others may be solid masses that need further testing. Undergoing a breast ultrasound is not a typical screening option. However, it is useful for looking at changes in the breast, especially for lumps you can feel, but cannot see.
Breast MRI
During this screening, an MRI machine uses strong magnets to take detailed photos of the breast as the person is lying down with their arms above their head. Based on the American Cancer Society guidelines, women who have a high risk for breast cancer should undergo a yearly breast MRI in addition to their yearly mammogram. Many high-risk women choose to schedule a mammogram and breast MRI six months apart to ensure they are tested twice a year.
Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is a test that removes tissue and fluid from the breast to determine if the suspicious area is cancerous. Doctors determine the type of biopsy based on the size of the suspicious area, where it is located in the breast and if there are multiple areas needing to be tested. The tissue and cells pulled from the biopsy are examined under a microscope to detect the presence of cancerous cells.
If imaging and biopsy confirms breast cancer or if it’s not cancer but must be removed, you will be referred to a breast surgeon. This is often your first step in breast cancer treatment.
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on the stage of your breast cancer. Some treatments may be local (targeting just the area around the tumor) and other treatments may be systemic (targeting the whole body). Breast cancer can be treated using multiple treatment options, including:
Surgery – A procedure to remove cancerous materials from the breast or affected areas. Based on your diagnosis, your surgical options may include breast conservation with a lumpectomy or a mastectomy to remove the entire breast. Bronson's breast surgeons are highly skilled and specially trained to surgically remove cancer in the breast using both traditional and more advanced procedures, like nipple sparing mastectomies, breast reconstruction, hidden scar techniques, limited nodal surgery, SAVI SCOUT® and LYMPHOSEEK®. Read more about Bronson's breast surgery treatment options.
Radiation Therapy – High energy rays used to kill cancer cells within the breast. Using the state-of-the-art True Beam Linear Accelerator, the radiation oncology team at Bronson Cancer Center has the technology, skills and expertise to treat breast cancer using radiation therapy. Learn more about this technology and the cancer centers' accreditation as an APEx Program for Excellence.
Hormone Therapy – A prescription drug that blocks the hormones necessary for cancer cells to grow.
Chemotherapy – A form of medicine that travels through the body and kills or slows down the growth of cancerous cells.
Immunotherapy – The use of a person’s own immune system to fight cancerous cells or to reduce the side effects from other treatments.
