Breast Cancer

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease that begins when breast cells grow and divide uncontrollably. The breast is made up of lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts (tubes that carry milk), and connective tissue. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules, but cancer can arise from any type of breast tissue. There are several types of breast cancer, and the specific type depends on which cells in the breast are affected.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer develops when genetic changes within breast cells cause abnormal patterns of growth and division. While the exact cause is not always known, risk factors that may increase the likelihood of breast cancer include:

• Aging
• Alcohol use
• Having dense breast tissue
• Genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Early menstrual periods
• Late or no pregnancy
• Starting menopause after age 55
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Use of combination hormone therapy
• Use of certain oral contraceptives
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Personal history of non-cancerous breast disease
• Family history of breast cancer
• Prior radiation therapy to the chest
• Use of the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer symptoms can vary and may also be caused by non-cancerous conditions. If you experience any of the following, it is important to speak with your provider promptly for further evaluation:

• A breast lump or thickening
• Change in breast size or shape
• Changes in nipple appearance
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• Change in breast color
• Redness, swelling, or pitting of the breast skin (like the skin of an orange)
• Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin
• Irritation or itchiness of the breast
• Pain in the breast or nipple area
• Lumps or nodes felt inside the breast or underarm

Stages of Breast Cancer

Staging describes how advanced a cancer is and helps guide treatment planning. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), breast cancer stages include:

Stage 0

Non-invasive breast cancers, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), with no spread beyond their original location.

Stage I

Cancer has invaded surrounding breast tissue but is still limited in size.

Stage II and III

Cancer has spread to more of the surrounding breast tissue, may involve nearby lymph nodes, and in some cases extends to nearby tissues.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

How Is Breast Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of breast cancer. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Factors that may influence treatment decisions include: Your age, health, and lifestyle. The stage of your cancer. Any other serious health conditions you have. Your feelings about the need to treat cancer right away. Your doctor’s opinion about whether treatment should begin immediately. The likelihood that treatment will help fight or cure your cancer. Possible side effects of each treatment method. It is important to ask questions, understand your options, and work closely with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of each approach in order to choose the plan that is best for you.

Our Approach

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary. Here at The New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we build our teams around you. Our expert oncologists will help guide you through this difficult time, answering any questions you may have along the way. We are here for you and will do everything in our power to meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to cancer, please call us as soon as possible at (855) 528-7322 or make an appointment online.