Breast Cancer:
What Every Woman Should Know All women are at risk for breast cancer, which increases with age. Knowing the facts can help women detect problems early, when chances of a cure are greatest. “You are the first line of defense when it comes to breast cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to know how your breasts normally look and let your doctor know if something seems unusual,” said Dr. LaRon Mason, general surgeon at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.
FACT #1: Knowing the warning
signs of breast cancer is vital.
If you know the warning signs of breast cancer, you’ll be better equipped to recognize if it’s time to alert your doctor. Symptoms of breast cancer include: • A painless lump or mass in (or near) the breast • A change in breast size or firmness • Breast skin changes, such as dimpling, a sore or a rash • Nipple itching, burning, rash, turning inward or discharge • A warm area in the breast • Pain in the breast • Swelling under the armpit or of the arm You should see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, but keep in mind that most breast lumps aren’t cancer.
FACT #2:
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the outcome.
Early detection means a better chance of a cure, and annual screenings are essential to early breast cancer detection. In their 20s and 30s, women should have clinical breast exams during their yearly physical, and annual mammograms starting around age 40 women. “Screening mammograms are catching cancers at very early stages, and it’s
common to identify cancers that are still confined to the ducts. These cancer cells have not had a chance to break out of the ducts and invade the surrounding breast tissue,” Mason said. Mammograms can detect breast cancer up to two years before a lump can be felt. Because of early detection as well as improvements in the way breast cancer is treated, 90% of women with breast cancer are alive five years after their diagnosis.
FACT #3:
There are several types of breast cancer.
Many women think of breast cancer as a single disease. In fact, there are many different types of breast cancer. “Breast cancer is classified based on where in the breast it arises from. The most common place for cancer to start is in the ducts of the breast,” said Mason. The milk ducts of the breast are tubes that carry milk from the milk-producing glands (lobules) to the nipple. Breast cancers that start in the milk ducts are called ductal carcinomas, while breast cancers that start in the lobules are called lobular carcinomas
FACT #4:
Breast cancer can be invasive or noninvasive.
“Noninvasive cancer that is confined to the ducts of the breast is called ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, and is considered stage 0 breast cancer,” said Mason. Noninvasive breast cancers rarely cause symptoms or lumps you can feel, but they may appear as tiny areas of calcification (tiny flecks of calcium) on a mammogram.
New Breast Care Center Location Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Clear Lake has expanded its breast cancer service to include a newly renovated center on campus. The expanded Breast Care Center has moved out of the hospital to inside Medical Office Building 1 on 18100 Houston Methodist Dr.
“Breast cancer is classified as invasive if it has grown outside the duct or lobule where it started and into surrounding breast tissue, explained Mason. “It then can potentially spread to other areas of the body.” About 80% of breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs), which appear as a hard, firm lump. In advanced stages of IDC, the skin over the lump may appear dimpled or the nipple may be retracted (pulled inward). About 12% of breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinomas (ILCs), which may feel like a thickening. ILC may be more difficult to detect on a mammogram than IDC.
To learn more about the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Clear Lake or to schedule your mammogram, please visit houstonmethodist.org/imaging or call 281.333.8858.
