Breast Cancer
You have breast cancer. We’re here to help!
A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing. We’re here to help you and your loved ones make a more informed treatment decision. We encourage you to explore this area to learn more about the disease, what lies ahead and your treatment options.
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I've just been diagnosed…
Learn about breast cancer
Understanding breast cancer can help you make a more informed treatment decision. Learn about the types of breast cancer, as well as risk factors, symptoms and staging information.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in cells of the breast. The breast consists of lobules (glands that make breast milk), ducts (small tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple), fatty and connective tissue, blood vessels and lymph vessels.
The milk-producing ducts and glands are the two most likely areas to develop cancerous cells. In rarer cases, breast cancer begins in fatty tissues, also known as stromal tissues. Breast cancer may also occur in surrounding lymph nodes, especially those of the underarm.
Breast cancer incidence
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), one in eight women who live to be age 80 will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. This makes the disease the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, after skin cancer. NCI estimates that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2009.
One in four cancers diagnosed in the United States is breast cancer, yet women are not the only ones receiving the diagnosis. Although the incidence of breast cancer is much less common among men, approximately 1,700 American men learn they have breast cancer each year.
Breast cancer is one of the most highly publicized cancers in the media today. Local and national breast cancer awareness events are reminders of its prevalence. Many of us know someone who previously had or is currently battling breast cancer. Fortunately, advancements in breast cancer research provide new treatment options and technologies for those battling the disease.
How breast cancer develops
The breast, like any other part of the body, is composed of cells which produces new set of cells for growth and reproduction. When the process of cell cycle fails to do its work, and there are abnormal changes in the genes that are responsible for their growth, they grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.
These tumors can actually be benign or malignant. Benign tumors may be large, but are usually non-cancerous. While malignant tumors or the cancerous ones, becomes large enough and can be identified through a mammogram and will later on develop to later stages of breast cancer development. They may even spread fast in other areas of the body.
The disease is something that can be checked on your own, therefore if you notice any lumps in the breast area, it is very important that you see a doctor to rule out any diagnosis of breast disease. However, as far as how breast cancer develops, the abovementioned statements are generally of big help.
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Our physicians will work in conjunction with Imaging and Diagnostic services to discover the extent of disease. The physicians will then analyze all data and discuss their diagnosis with the patient.
Then together, we develop a comprehensive breast cancer treatment plan that works for you. Your individualized plan will include advanced medical treatments and technologies, combined with integrative oncology services to help reduce side effects and keep you strong in body, mind and spirit.