Mary Bird Perkins offers the most advanced radiation therapy available in the world with the medical and technical experts to use it successfully. We treat over 300 breast cancer patients every year with radiation therapy.
In the 1980s, a woman diagnosed with localized breast cancer had a five-year survival rate of 80 percent. Today, that number has increased to 98 percent.* This means that most women diagnosed with breast cancer will successfully be treated for the disease. Survival rates of those diagnosed with breast cancer have improved because of advances in research and successful screening efforts.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast. Although the disease occurs more commonly in women, men can also develop breast cancer. The breast is made up of lobes and ducts, blood vessels and lymph vessels. Ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer, begins in the ducts of the breast. Cancer that originates in the lobules is called lobular carcinoma. Other types of breast cancer are very rare. About 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancer is hereditary. Knowing your personal medical history and attending regular check ups can increase your treatment options and survival rate. For a personalized cancer risk assessment, visit MyCancerRisk.com.
Early stage breast cancer typically does not cause pain. Initial symptoms of breast cancer are difficult to detect yourself, but as the cancer grows, symptoms develop that the patient can watch for, such as a lump in or near the breast or underarm area, or any change in shape or size of the breast. If you exhibit any noticeable changes, a visit to the doctor is recommended. For more information about detecting breast cancer, download a free informative newsletter.
Tests used to discover and diagnose breast cancer include x-rays (mammogram), removal of cells or tissue (biopsy) and estrogen and progesterone receptor tests to measure the amount of hormone receptors in cancer tissue. Recovery and treatment options depend upon the stage of the cancer, the type of breast cancer, the level of hormones in the tumor tissue, age, general health, menopausal status and whether the cancer has been recently diagnosed or has recurred.
Screening efforts have resulted in more breast cancer survivors. Women with no symptoms should have mammograms if they are 40 or older (although it may be recommended earlier for those patients who have a family history of breast cancer). Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast examination as part of their regular exam by a health care provider. All women should perform self breast exams and consult with their doctor about any concerns.
Related Links:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
* American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2006, Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2006.