While there is no known cause of breast cancer, certain risk factors are linked to the disease. Having a risk factor – or even several – doesn’t mean you will get breast cancer. Some risk factors have a bigger effect than others, and your risk for breast cancer can change over time because of age or lifestyle changes.
One in three women diagnosed with breast cancer did not have any risk factors. That’s why early detection is so important.
- Have an annual mammogram starting at age 40
- In addition to annual screening for women 40 and older, women with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their doctor
Studies link the following with increased risk of breast cancer:
- 50 years and older
- Have inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes
- Family history of breast cancer
- Denser breast tissue
- Began having periods before age 12 or went through menopause after the age of 55
- Had first child after age 30
- Take estrogen and progesterone after menopause
- Breast conditions such as atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
- Did not breastfeed
- Consume alcohol or smoke
- Overweight or obese
The Bryan High Risk and Cancer Prevention Clinic can help you if you have a higher risk of breast cancer.
You may also want to consider genetic counseling if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Learn more about genetic counseling and testing here
Diagnostic tests are used to determine if breast cancer is present and if it has spread outside the breast. Information gathered from your diagnostic tests guide discussion and decisions about your treatment.
3D Mammogram
A 3D mammogram gives radiologists a three-dimensional image of the breast. A screening mammogram is used to check for breast cancer. A diagnostic mammogram is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other abnormal sign or symptom has been found.
If you’re over the age of 40, it’s important to have an annual mammogram. Learn more and schedule online here.
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to outline the area of concern found on a mammogram. This procedure can determine whether the area in question is a cyst or a solid mass. This is helpful because many cysts need not be examined further with a biopsy.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI scans use magnets and radio waves (instead of x-rays) to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images. MRI can be used for screening, but it can also be used to look at areas of concern found on a mammogram. It also can help evaluate a palpable lump (a lump that can be felt) but isn’t seen with mammography or ultrasound, or a mass in a woman with dense breast tissue. It can also help determine if the cancer is limited to one area of the breast.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of tissue from the breast to determine if cancer cells are present. Breast biopsies are ultrasound-guided or mammogram-guided using a core needle biopsy. If cancer is present, the pathologist will examine the cells and identify specific characteristics to help guide treatment decisions. In the United States, only about 20 percent of women who have breast biopsies have cancer.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you and your doctors will put together a treatment plan specific for you. The plan will consider the unique characteristics of your tumor, the stage or extent of your cancer, your overall health and your personal preferences.
Your treatment plan will be made up of one or more specific treatments to target the cancer cells and reduce your risk of future breast cancer recurrence.
Your Treatment Options
Surgery
- Lumpectomy
Also known as breast-conserving surgery, is the removal of only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue
- Mastectomy
The removal of all of the breast tissue
- Lymph node removal
- Sentinel Lymph Node Removal (Biopsy)
A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node cancer is likely to spread to from a primary tumor. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is the procedure to identify, examine and remove the first lymph node to which cancer is likely to spread.
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
Axillary lymph node dissection is when 10 or more lymph nodes are removed. This can take place during lumpectomy and mastectomy if the biopsy shows that breast cancer has spread outside the milk duct. Some people qualify for this less-invasive surgery.
- Breast reconstruction
The rebuilding of the breast after mastectomy and sometimes lumpectomy. Reconstruction can take place at the same time as cancer-removing surgery, or months to years later. Some women decide not to have reconstruction or opt for a prosthesis
Find a breast surgical oncologist
Other Treatment Options
- Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy (anti-estrogen therapy) medicines treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers in two ways:
- By lowering the amount of the hormone estrogen in the body
- By blocking the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells
- Clinical Trials
