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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer mainly occurs in women but can also be found in men.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects one or both breasts. It occurs when cells in the breast begin to divide and grow out of control, causing a lump or tumor. However, these cells can grow for some time before signs appear. Breast cancer can affect both men and women.

Breast cancer death rates have decreased steadily over the years due to early detection and ongoing advances in treatment.* Regular mammograms for breast cancer prevention can help detect the disease before a lump is felt.

A woman being helped by a medical professional getting her breast scanned.

Breast Cancer Center of Excellence

At the AHN Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, we understand how difficult a breast cancer diagnosis can be for you and your loved ones. We provide patients with information about their diagnosis and innovative, comprehensive breast cancer treatment options. You'll also have access to our open and upcoming breast cancer clinical trials.

Some of the cutting-edge techniques our specialists use to help treat breast cancer include:

  • Nipple-sparing mastectomy: This procedure removes all of your breast tissue but keeps your nipple and areola in place.
  • GammaPod® stereotactic radiation treatment: This treatment uses a device to target radiation beams with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Minimally invasive robotic DIEP flap surgery: This robot-assisted procedure uses skin and tissue from your lower abdomen to reconstruct your breast.
  • Post-mastectomy Resensation®: This procedure restores sensation to your breast after a mastectomy.
  • Lymphovenous bypass: This procedure creates a path for fluid from your arm to drain to reduce the risk of arm lymphedema.
  • Reirradiation for locoregional recurrent cancer: Some patients with local, in-breast cancer recurrences after lumpectomy may be candidates for radiation a second time using targeted external beam radiation therapy.

Our breast cancer specialists work together as a team to create customized plans that meet your needs. Depending on your diagnosis, your team may consist of:

  • Breast surgeons.
  • Medical oncologists.
  • Radiation oncologists.
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
  • Genetic counselors.
  • Pathologists.
  • Radiologists with expertise in breast imaging.
  • Nurse navigators.
  • Physical therapists.
  • Occupational therapists.
  • Integrative medicine experts.
  • Mental health professionals.
A doctor posing for the camera. A closeup of a surgeon wearing a face shield while in surgery. A doctor posing for the camera. A closeup of a surgeon wearing a face shield while in surgery.

Breast cancer symptoms and signs

Early detection is critical to successful breast cancer treatment. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer before a lump is present. We recommend annual mammograms if you're age 40 or older and at average risk. Breast cancer screening may need to begin earlier than age 40 if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Please discuss when you should begin screening with your doctor.

Possible breast cancer signs

Common breast cancer symptoms include:

  • Appearance of a lump in one or both breasts or your underarms (armpit).
  • Swelling or inflammation in your breast.
  • Pain in all or part of your breast.
  • Discharge from your nipple (including blood).
  • Irritated breast skin.
  • Sudden change in the shape of your breast.
  • Redness in your nipple area or breast.
  • Inverted nipples (nipple lays flat or turned inward).
  • Puckering or dimpling of breast skin.

If you notice any signs of breast cancer or changes in your breasts, please get in touch with your doctor to schedule a diagnostic mammogram.

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1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.* Early detection through a mammogram helps reduce your risk.

Breast cancer risk factors

Several risk factors can increase your risk of breast cancer. While some are genetic and can’t be changed, others are lifestyle choices that can be adjusted to reduce our risk. 

Some of the breast cancer risk factors you can’t change include:

  • Being over the age of 50.
  • Receiving therapeutic radiation therapy to your chest area before age 30.
  • Having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
  • Having specific gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2).
  • Having a personal history of breast cancer.
  • Past exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) — a drug given to pregnant women between 1940—1971 to prevent miscarriages.

Lifestyle choices that can put you at higher risk of breast cancer include:

  • Drinking alcohol excessively.
  • Living a sedentary lifestyle with little to no exercise.
  • Taking hormones — such as hormone replacement therapy — during menopause.
  • Being overweight or obese after menopause.
  • Smoking.
  • Your reproductive history — such as not having children, having your first pregnancy after age 30, and not breastfeeding.
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Breast cancer diagnosis

A precise breast cancer diagnosis is critical to creating a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. Your oncology team includes nurse navigators who assist you with details so you can focus on getting well. They help coordinate your appointments, tests, and treatments, provide access to financial counseling, and connect you with other support services. This reassurance and guidance continues from the time you’re diagnosed throughout your entire care journey.

At your first appointment, we'll talk with you about your breast cancer sym