An annual campaign every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to not only educating people about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, but raising funds for scientific research to improve treatment, and eventually, find a cure. While both women and men are at risk for breast cancer, women of all ethnicities and ages are at a higher risk.
According to The National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 360,000 people will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in 2024. Fortunately, there is hope – raised awareness about how crucial early detection is for a person’s overall prognosis have increased the chances of survival. When caught in its earliest stages, the five-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. When this happens, cells build up to create a tissue mass called a tumor, growth, or lump. These cells then invade the surrounding tissues and spread to other body areas. They break away from the original site and enter lymph or blood vessels, branching to other tissues throughout the body. This process is called metastasis.
How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed
If you have an abnormal finding on any breast screening test or at your annual check-up, you will than have follow-up tests, which may or may not rule out breast cancer. If that doesn’t yield results, your doctor will perform a breast biopsy. Learning about your breast cancer diagnosis will help you be an informed patient. Understanding your diagnosis will help you make treatment decisions with your medical team.
Types of Breast Cancer Treatment
There are various treatment options for those diagnosed with breast cancer. The local treatments are the ones that just target the area surrounding the tumor. On the other hand, systemic treatments inject the whole body with cancer-fighting agents. Most plans include a combination of radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.
Once you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a team of cancer specialists will devise a unique treatment plan based on your needs. This team may include a medical oncologist, a surgical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a care manager/caseworker/nurse navigator or patient navigator, a registered dietitian, and an oncology nurse.
Local Care in the Corridor
With a compassionate, patient-focused approach, Solis Mammography has reinvented the experience for women. Delivering an exceptional experience and exceptionally accurate results starts from within the company; their highly qualified team members are dedicated to helping all their patients. At Solis Mammography, expect a state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic experience designed to give you peace of mind.
Located in Medical City Dallas, Texas Oncology is a perfect blend of high-quality care located close to home and the crucial support of family and friends. Their comprehensive cancer center is designed to help in your fight against cancer with leading-edge chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other vital services. You also benefit from the collective wisdom of our network of more than 550 physicians focused solely on treating cancer and blood disorders.
Jordan is a writer and photographer based in the DFW area. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor ‘s degree in English and a Minor in Marketing. She is a history nerd and animal lover, with one dog and three cats at home. In her free time, she enjoys reading, arts & crafts, working on her first novel, and traveling to places near and far.