In this article:
- One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Advances in detecting, diagnosing and treating the disease means more survivors.
- Providence provider, Dr. Fen Jiang weighs in on recent advancements and offers hope for those at risk of developing breast cancer.
[5 MIN READ]
Chances are you, or a loved one, have been affected by breast cancer. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop the disease in their lifetime. Still – a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, whether it’s for you, a friend or a family member.
Fortunately, advances in detecting, diagnosing and treating breast cancer means more and more women are beating the disease.
We recently spoke with Fen Jiang, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist at Providence Regional Cancer System. She answered commonly asked questions about breast cancer, treatment plans and when to get a mammogram.
When should women get a mammogram?
The best way to know when it’s time to get a mammogram is by speaking with your primary care provider. The American Cancer Society currently recommends the following guidelines for mammograms:
- Women ages 40 to 44 have the choice to start annual mammograms.
- Women age 45 to 54 should have an annual mammogram.
- Women 55 and older may switch to mammograms every 2 years or continue yearly screening.
Regular mammograms are the best way to detect cancer in its early stages. It’s also important to pay attention to any changes to your breast.
What are signs of breast cancer?
Regular mammograms are the best way to detect cancer in its early stages. It’s also important to pay attention to any changes to your breast. If you notice any of the following signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor:
- A lump in the breast or underarm
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Swelling of any part of the breast
- Redness or flaky skin on the nipple or breast
- Nipple discharge (other than breastmilk)
- Pain in the breast
- Any other change to the breast
Other symptoms of breast cancer may also include:
- Sudden changes in appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sudden, onset back pain
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, men can get breast cancer. It’s estimated that 1 in every 100 cases of breast cancer is in a man, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Symptoms of breast cancer in men also include changes to the breast, such as:
- A lump or swelling
- Redness or flaky skin in the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of the skin on the breast
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple pain or pulling
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
If a mammogram returns an abnormal result, your doctor will recommend additional testing.
“It’s important to remember that just because you’ve been called back for more testing does not mean you have breast cancer,” reassures Dr. Jiang. “It may be that the imaging wasn’t clear or that your doctor wants additional testing.
“It’s understandable to be nervous but try to take a deep breath and remember that you’re in excellent hands,” she adds.
Your follow-up may include a breast MRI for more detailed imaging of the breast. You may also need a biopsy, based on the findings of your breast MRI. During this procedure, your doctor will insert a large, hollow needle to collect cells around any suspicious growth. An ultrasound is used to guide the biopsy to the correct location in the breast.
It’s important to remember that just because you’ve been called back for more testing does not mean you have breast cancer.
A biopsy may seem nerve-wracking, but it is a quick procedure that is typically done in your doctor’s office or in an outpatient setting. You won’t even need any sedation.
The results of your biopsy will confirm if cells are cancerous. It also provides important information on the type and stage of cancer, which will guide your treatment plan.
What are the different types of breast cancer?
There are different types – including ductal carcinoma and invasive breast cancers. Ductal carcinoma is breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts. It can stay in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS) or spread outside the ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma).
Invasive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer and is categorized even further based on its hormone receptor status. Breast cancer cells can be fueled by estrogen or progesterone, which are hormones your body naturally produces.
Knowing whether the cancer cells have proteins that are estrogen or progesterone receptors will help shape an effective treatment plan – one that’s tailored to you.
Knowing whether the cancer cells have proteins that are estrogen or progesterone receptors will help shape an effective treatment plan – one that’s tailored to you. The four most common hormone receptor statuses include:
- ER-positive: Cancer cells grow in response to estrogen
- PR-positive: Cancer cells grow in response to progesterone
- HER2-positive: Cancer cells make too much of a protein called HER2
- Triple-negative: Cancer cells do not have estrogen or progesterone receptors and don’t make too much HER2 protein
“Being able to identify the hormone receptor status of breast cancer and understanding how a certain treatment may be more effective for certain types of breast cancer has been one of the most exciting breakthroughs in breast cancer care over the past decade,” shares Dr. Jiang. “It has led to better outcomes and – just as importantly – more hope among the women and families affected by this disease.”
What are the stages of breast cancer – and how can you become better educated about them?
The stage of your breast cancer will also shape your treatment plan. Generally, there are five stages of breast cancer, from stage 0 (breast cancer has not spread outside of where it started) to stage IV (breast cancer has metastasized – or spread – outside the breast to the lymph nodes and other organs).
Each of the stages includes subcategories to help your oncologist better understand your diagnosis and map out your treatment plan.
“We have so much information available to us when it comes to understanding an individual’s specific type of cancer,” explains Dr. Jiang. “This really enables us to deliver very personalized medicine to target cancer and pave the way for positive results.”
No matter the stage of your cancer or the type of cancer you have, take comfort in knowing that research has led us to many innovative and effective breakthrough treatments.
“No matter the stage of your cancer or the type of cancer you have, take comfort in knowing that research has led us to many innovative and effective breakthrough treatments,” says Dr. Jiang.
“Whether it’s a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of a new drug; a new combination of approved therapies; or just a better understanding of how to help you manage symptoms or side effects from treatments so you can live your life, we have so many more answers today than ever before. We will work diligently to find the right approach for you,” she states.
How is breast cancer treated?
Medicine has advanced greatly in the past decade and even the last few years – and this means survival rates are improving. In fact, a 2017 study from the American Cancer Society found that women who died from breast cancer dropped 40% in the last 25 years. That’s largely because of early detection and personalized treatment plans based on your type and stage of cancer.
Cancer treatment plans can vary depending on many factors, but typically it includes:
- Chemotherapy: You may receive infusion therapy, which delivers cancer-killing drugs through an intravenous (IV) line or as an oral medication.
- Surgery to remove cancer: You may have surgery before or after chemotherapy, depending on your type of breast cancer. Breast cancer surgery can also range from a lumpectomy that only removes cancerous cells in the breast to a mastectomy, which removes all breast tissue.
- Radiation: High-energy rays are aimed at the area with cancer to kill remaining cells. Radiation is often done along with surgery and/or chemotherapy, depending on the type of cancer you have.
- Targeted therapy: This newer therapy targets cancer cells in the body, compared to chemotherapy which kills any cell that rapidly divides.
- Immunotherapy: Certain medicines can teach the immune system to better recognize and kill cancer cells.
A promising future (and present)
“Thanks to science and research, we are becoming much better at diagnosing and treating breast cancer,” Dr. Jiang says. “That includes exciting breakthroughs with medicines and simple therapies and approaches to helping manage the (sometimes unpleasant) side effects from treatment.”
At Providence, we’re honored to be on the front lines of breast cancer research and treatment and work every day to bring that world-class care to you.
At Providence, we’re honored to be on the front lines of breast cancer research and treatment and work every day to bring that world-class care to you – with evidence-based treatment plans, a holistic approach to care and promising clinical studies to offer renewed hope and understanding.
If you (or a loved one) have recently been diagnosed with cancer, know that we’re here to help. We’ll answer your questions and guide you to the plan that’s right for your body, mind and spirit.
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Related resources
Don’t delay life-saving cancer screenings
New studies aim to improve treatments for advanced breast cancer
Cancer diagnosis leads to significant genetic discovery
Breast cancer research brings new hope for care
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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