Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage conversations, and be reminded of the importance of prevention and early detection. Whether you are considering your own risk, supporting a loved one, or navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, knowing the symptoms and options for care can help you take the next step with confidence.

What exactly is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. A tumor is considered cancerous when abnormal cells invade surrounding breast tissue or have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. There are several different types of breast cancer, and each diagnosis is unique.

Am I at risk?

Breast cancer can affect anyone, although in the United States, approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, while breast cancer is much less common in men.

Age is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer, with risk increasing as we get older. Many people think of breast cancer primarily as an inherited disease, but only about 5–10% of breast cancers are believed to result from inherited genetic mutations passed from parent to child. That is why understanding your individual risk and staying current with recommended screenings is so important.

Some breast cancer risk factors cannot be changed, including getting older, having certain inherited genetic mutations, or having a personal or family history of breast cancer. Other lifestyle factors may also be associated with increased risk such as smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, being physically inactive, and being overweight or obese.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer, just as having no known risk factors does not mean you cannot develop the disease.

What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer does not always cause symptoms, which is another reason why routine screening is so important. However, knowing what changes to look for can help you recognize when it may be time to speak with your primary care provider.

Possible symptoms include:

• Breast or nipple pain
• A new lump or swelling in the breast or underarm
• Skin irritation, dimpling or changes in the appearance of the breast
• Redness, scaling or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge that is not breast milk
• A nipple that turns inward or changes in appearance
• Changes in the size or shape of a breast

Many of these symptoms can also be caused by noncancerous conditions. However, it is always important to speak with a healthcare provider about any new or unusual changes.

How is Breast Cancer treated?

No two breast cancer diagnoses are exactly alike. Treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, its specific characteristics, and the individual needs and preferences of each patient.

Breast cancer is often treated using a coordinated combination of therapies, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or other target treatments.

Detecting Breast Cancer with advanced technology

Routine breast cancer screening is one of the most important tools for detecting breast cancer early. When breast cancer is found at an earlier stage, there may be more treatment options and a greater opportunity for successful treatment.

Screening recommendations can vary depending on your age, personal health history, and individual risk factors. The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40 for women at average risk. As your risk increases with age, it is important not to skip your recommended mammograms. Being familiar with your breasts and reporting any new or unusual changes to your healthcare provider can also play an important role in early detection.

Advanced breast imaging will help detect breast cancer as early and accurately as possible. 3-D mammography provides a more detailed view of breast tissue than traditional 2-D mammography. By capturing multiple images of the breast, this technology can help providers identify abnormalities that may be more difficult to detect with conventional imaging.

Breast MRI may also be recommended for certain patients, particularly those at an increased risk for breast cancer. MRI can be highly sensitive in detecting abnormalities, but it is not typically used as a replacement for routine mammography. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether additional imaging is appropriate for your individual needs.

You are not alone: Resources for support

A breast cancer diagnosis or concerns about your risk can feel overwhelming. But you do not have to navigate those questions alone. If you are concerned about breast cancer, have noticed changes in your breasts or have a personal or family history of the disease, talk with your primary care provider about your individual risk and recommended screening options. They help connect you with the care, resources, and support you need.

Frederick Health’s accredited Breast Center provides comprehensive care for both cancerous and noncancerous breast conditions. The multidisciplinary team includes fellowship-trained breast surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, high-risk specialists, and dedicated nurse navigators.

Find support and expertise here in your community: Frederick Health is hosting its 20th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium on October 14 at Frederick Health Village from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The symposium offers an opportunity to learn more about breast cancer, the latest advancements in care, and the resources available to patients and families. 

You have options for your care. Learn more about breast cancer and the care options available at Frederick Health.