A breast cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of questions, from understanding breast cancer symptoms to knowing what happens after an abnormal mammogram. While every diagnosis is different, understanding the screening, diagnosis, and treatment process can help you feel more prepared for the next step.
Early detection plays an important role in breast cancer care. Regular screening can find breast cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment may be more successful. Knowing what changes to watch for and keeping up with recommended mammograms can help you take an active role in your breast health.
Recognizing Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages. This is one reason routine screening is so important. A mammogram can sometimes identify an abnormality before you can feel a lump or notice another change. When breast cancer symptoms do occur, they can include:
- A new lump or mass in the breast
- Swelling of all or part of the breast
- Changes in the skin, including dimpling or a texture that resembles an orange peel
- Red, dry, flaky, or thickened breast or nipple skin
- Nipple pain or changes in the nipple, such as turning inward
- Nipple discharge that is not breast milk
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
Many breast changes can have causes other than cancer, and most breast lumps are not cancer. However, any new or unusual breast change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
When Should You Get Screened for Breast Cancer?
Screening recommendations can vary based on age, personal history, and individual risk factors. For women at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 have the option to begin annual mammograms.
Women ages 45 to 54 should have mammograms every year, while women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years or continue with annual screening. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.
These recommendations are for women at average risk. People with a personal or family history of breast cancer, certain inherited gene changes, or other risk factors may need a different screening plan.
If you are unsure when you should begin screening or how often you need a mammogram, talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk.
What Happens After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
An abnormal mammogram does not automatically mean you have breast cancer. If a screening test or physical exam identifies an area of concern, additional imaging or other testing may be recommended.
Depending on the situation, this may include a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI or biopsy. A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue so it can be examined, and it is the only way to confirm whether an abnormal area is cancer.
If breast cancer is confirmed, your care team will look at several factors to understand the specific cancer and determine which treatments may be appropriate. This can include the type and stage of the cancer, tumor characteristics, hormone receptor and HER2 status, genetics, overall health and other individual factors.
You may also meet with several specialists throughout the process. Breast cancer care can involve medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and other members of the care team who work together to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options
There is no single approach to breast cancer treatment. Your treatment plan depends on the type and stage of your cancer and other factors specific to you. Treatment may include one or more of the following:
Surgery
Surgery may be used to remove the cancer from the breast. Depending on the diagnosis, surgical options can vary. Some patients may also consider breast reconstruction following surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. For breast cancer, it is most commonly given after breast-conserving surgery and may also be recommended after a mastectomy for some patients, depending on the stage and other characteristics of the cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. It may be given before surgery, after surgery, or as part of treatment for more advanced breast cancer.
Hormone Therapy
Some breast cancers use hormones such as estrogen or progesterone to grow. For these cancers, hormone therapy may be used to block the effects of these hormones or lower hormone levels in the body.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are designed to focus on specific characteristics of cancer cells. These treatments may be an option for certain types of breast cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. It may be used for certain breast cancers, including some cases of triple-negative breast cancer.
Your oncology team will explain which treatments may be appropriate for your diagnosis, along with their potential benefits, side effects, and other considerations.
Managing the Physical Side Effects of Treatment
Breast cancer treatment can affect everyone differently. Depending on your treatment, you may experience fatigue, hair loss, changes in appetite, mouth sores, an increased risk of infection, lymphedema, bone health concerns or changes in memory and concentration. Some patients may also experience menopausal symptoms.
Tell your care team about any new or uncomfortable symptoms you experience. Your oncology team can help you understand whether a symptom may be related to treatment and discuss ways to manage it.
Supportive services can also play an important role throughout treatment. Nutrition support, counseling, and other resources can help address some of the physical and emotional challenges that may come with a cancer diagnosis.
Finding Emotional Support During Breast Cancer Treatment
A breast cancer diagnosis can affect much more than your physical health. It is normal to have questions or concerns about your diagnosis, treatment, relationships, work, finances or what life will look like after treatment.
You do not have to navigate those concerns alone. Consider talking with your care team about available counseling, support groups, nutrition services or other resources. Leaning on trusted friends and family members can also help you feel supported throughout treatment.
It can also be helpful to write down questions before appointments and bring someone you trust with you when possible. Having another person listen and take notes can make it easier to remember information discussed during your visit.
Breast Cancer Care Close to Home
At Cancer Specialists of North Florida, breast cancer care is provided through a multidisciplinary team that works together to develop personalized treatment plans. Depending on your diagnosis, care may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or clinical trials. CSNF also offers supportive services such as nutrition support, counseling, and financial assistance.
With locations throughout Jacksonville and North Florida, CSNF provides access to cancer care close to home.
Take the Next Step in Your Breast Health
Whether you are due for a screening, have noticed a change in your breast, or have recently received a diagnosis, taking the next step can help you get the information you need.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or need to discuss your treatment options, explore CSNF’s breast cancer services to learn more about available care. If you are ready to talk with a member of the CSNF team, you can also schedule an appointment to discuss your individual needs.
