If you are facing breast cancer, you have us to help. Dedicated medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, social workers and an entire care team work together to create a treatment plan specific to you. This means that you will receive the best possible care available today – and also be well-equipped for future treatments and complications. From breast cancer screenings to diagnosis through post-treatment follow-up, you have us right by your side.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in breast tissue cells. Once it forms, the cells can spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat and more deadly. It can spread to your lymph nodes, brain, bones, liver or lungs. That’s why the key to prevention is catching it as early as possible.
Risk Factors
Besides your family medical history, the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis can rise due to other outside forces. These known risk factors include:
- Being a woman and getting older
- Inherited genetic mutations
- Not being physically active
- Having dense breasts
- Alcohol consumption
- Radiation
- Poor diet
- Obesity
Get A High-Risk Screening Request Genetic Counseling
Signs & Symptoms
Noteworthy signs and symptoms of cancer in breast tissue may display as:
- A physical lump
- Itchiness and soreness
- Warmth to the touch, redness or tenderness
- Asymmetrical differences in the way your breasts look
- Bulges, ripples in the skin and changes in the contour of your breast or nipple
- Any unexpected discharge, especially if it contains blood
Breast Self-Exam
A breast self-exam is one way for you to monitor breast tissue. This helps increase your awareness of what feels normal, so you can tell if something abnormal comes up. If applicable, the best time to perform a breast self-exam is shortly after you complete your menstrual period.
Standing Up Exam
- Stand in front of your mirror, shirtless and braless.
- Visually inspect the skin and shape of the breast, with your arms at your side.
- Move your arms to press your hands into your hips. This flexes the muscles below the breast tissue.
- After doing this, feel the breast tissue with your finger pads.
Lying Down Exam
- Lie down on a bed or flat surface, to spread out the breast tissue.
- Feel the breast tissue with your finger pads.
Did you notice any dimpling or variations to skin tension or texture? Pay close attention to any lump or mass, especially if it feels like a jagged pebble that won’t move as you apply pressure. A breast tumor will feel more like a rock than a grape. If you feel something like this, have it checked by your doctor.
Getting a Mammogram
One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, making it one of the most common types of cancer. If detected early with a mammogram, breast cancer is very treatable. Today, advanced technology such as 3-D mammography gives your provider multiple views of your breasts. Learn more about our mammography and breast imaging services.
- When to get a mammogram: The general rule of thumb is to get this breast screening done every year, after turning the age of 40 (unless determined otherwise by your doctor).
- Where to get a mammogram: Call a mammography location across our five-state region, or request an appointment online.
With early detection and expert oncology treatment, there’s hope. Turn to Avera Cancer Institute for detecting and treating breast cancers. Our board-certified oncologists have the specialty training needed to provide cancer treatment services.
Find Mammography Locations
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
After a breast cancer diagnosis is determined, there are a variety of treatments based on your specific diagnosis. Turn to Avera Cancer Institute. Our board-certified oncologists have the specialty training needed to provide personalized cancer care.
