Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, but it is also a disease experiencing new developments in diagnosis, personalized treatments and long-term survivorship. Whether you are looking for information about symptoms and risk factors, are supporting a loved one through their journey or navigating a new diagnosis, Capital Health Cancer Center can provide the answers you need.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer, or uncontrolled cell growth, that starts in your breast. In the United States, it’s the most common cancer among women apart from skin cancers, and it’s the second-most deadly cancer women can get after lung cancer.
You may hear many different names describing kinds of breast cancer. These may describe where your cancer starts or its specific features. The most common type is invasive breast cancer, which has two types:
Other types of breast cancer include the following:
A few other rare types of breast cancer include angiosarcoma, Paget’s disease and phyllodes tumors.
Like any kind of cancer, breast cancer happens when cells begin to grow out of control due to changes in their genes, which act like instruction sets for cells. It’s not always clear why cells develop these genetic changes. Up to 10% of the time, you may inherit a genetic predisposition to cancer, but the other times, cancer-causing genetic changes arise on their own.
Certain factors can increase your risk of breast cancer. These include:
While you can’t control some of these risk factors, you can take steps to reduce your risk by limiting your alcohol intake, achieving a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco smoke.
Many women with breast cancer don’t have any signs or symptoms, especially at first. Ask your doctor about symptoms, including:
Other breast conditions can share the same signs and symptoms as breast cancer. Your doctor can help you tell the difference or order diagnostic tests if needed.
Men can also develop breast cancer, accounting for around 1% of all cases. If a man has a lump under his nipple or any other breast cancer symptoms, he should talk with his doctor right away.
Doctors use various studies and tests to determine whether you have breast cancer and the cancer’s exact location. You may receive blood tests, imaging studies or a biopsy.
Other, specialized tests help your doctors identify the most effective treatment options for your specific cancer. In one such test, a liquid biopsy, your pathologist analyzes a blood draw or other fluids to look for genetic mutations—such as changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes—that can help guide cancer treatment.
Doctors use stages to describe how breast cancer spreads through your breast and beyond.
Also known as DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ, stage 0 means you have precancerous cells in your milk ducts. These cells have cancer-like changes but have not yet become invasive.
You have a small tumor with little or no cancer cells that have spread beyond the breast. Stage IA breast cancer is confined to the breast, while in stage IB, some cancer cells may have spread to the lymph nodes.
In stage 2A, the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has spread to one to three lymph nodes, or the tumor is 2 to 5 centimeters and has not spread. In stage 2B, the tumor is 2 to 5 centimeters and has spread to one to three lymph nodes, or the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread.
Your tumor has grown larger and has spread further into your lymph nodes, but it has not yet traveled to distant parts of your body.
Your cancer has metastasized, or spread to other regions of your body. The most common places for it to spread include your bones, brain, liver, lungs and skin.
Breast cancer generally spreads within a few years. Even so, about 3% of women with breast cancer only learn they have cancer after it has metastasized.
Over the last few decades, researchers have discovered ways to target breast cancer treatment more precisely and effectively, often with less burdensome side effects.
Treatments for breast cancer include:
A healthy lifestyle that includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and reducing or eliminating alcohol may help some women reduce their risk of breast cancer, but you cannot always prevent this disease. Early detection allows for the most effective treatments and outcomes. A screening mammogram lets your care team identify signs of breast cancer even before you experience symptoms.
Breast cancer requires expert treatment guided by leading-edge science. The Capital Health Center for Comprehensive Breast Care uses the latest technologies to improve diagnosis and offers a suite of advanced cancer treatments, as well as access to clinical trials, to ensure people with breast cancer feel confident in their care.
In addition to our innovative care, you’ll find support throughout your journey from a dedicated breast health navigator and support services, ranging from nutrition and wellness to social work and survivorship.
Capital Health is dedicated to shaping the future of faster, smarter and more compassionate cancer care.
Request a consultation with a Capital Health Cancer Center oncologist.
