Detecting breast cancer early greatly improves the prognosis, which is why understanding your family history and recognizing the breast cancer symptoms is crucial. Symptoms may include:

• A new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

Consult your doctor if you observe any breast cancer symptoms or other changes in your breasts.

My breast cancer journey at Tanner – Sabrina Fitzgerald

Sabrina Fitzgerald was only 45 and the picture of health when she found a lump in her breast and began a journey through the world-class treatment at Tanner Cancer Care. Hear her story by watching this video.

Types of breast cancer

Breast cancer is not just one disease. It can originate in different areas of the breast, making breast cancer awareness crucial.

The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which originates in the tiny tubes or ducts that connect the lobes in your breast.

In contrast, lobular carcinoma begins in the lobes or lobules — the smaller sections of the lobes — and is more often found in both breasts.

Some women develop inflammatory breast cancer, which appears as red, swollen and warm breast tissue. Raising breast cancer awareness about this aggressive form is vital.

Risk factors for breast cancer

Although family history is a significant risk factor, only five to 10 percent of all breast cancers are hereditary.

The prognosis for breast cancer is improving. Breast cancer can sometimes recur after treatment; however, the number of deaths from breast cancer is steadily declining and 90% of women diagnosed survive at least five years, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will conduct tests to see if your cancer has spread within the breast or to other parts of your body. If the cancer has spread, your doctor will describe it as metastasizing.

This testing process is called staging. Staging helps your doctor plan the best treatment for your specific breast cancer.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Breast diagnostic testing
• Breast surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation oncology

Tanner Cancer Care is committed to supporting your lifelong breast health. If you have breast cancer, our doctors and other health professionals will be with you every step of the way, from initial diagnosis through treatment and survivorship.

Radiation innovation for breast cancer offers heart protection

Millions of breast cancer survivors are alive and thriving today because of innovations in the detection and treatment of the disease — technologies that are continuously improved for safety and effectiveness. A recent innovation – deep inspiration breath hold – introduced earlier this year at Tanner’s Roy Richards, Sr. Cancer Center, protects women from a potential side effect of their life-saving radiation treatments: heart damage.

Learn how this innovation works in the video below.

Breast Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of breast cancer?
Breast cancer can be caused by genetic factors, lifestyle choices or environmental exposures, but most cases are linked to a combination of risk factors.

How long can you have breast cancer without knowing?
Breast cancer can develop for years without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is vital.

At what age is breast cancer most common?
Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women over 50, but it can occur at any age.

What are the risk factors associated with breast cancer?
Risk factors include age, genetic mutations, family history and certain lifestyle factors.