Breast Cancer

Breast cancer begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue. Since everyone is born with some breast tissue, both women and men are susceptible to breast cancer. You can still get it even if there is no history in your family.

Breast Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Louisiana. Louisiana ranks 4th in the nation for female breast cancer death rate.

It is recommended that all women at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. Establish care with a primary care provider and/or a gynecologist to become aware of necessary screenings. Talking to a doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of breast cancer is key. Early screening and testing are associated with improved survival outcomes.

Types

Angiosarcoma
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Inflammatory breast cancer
Invasive lobular carcinoma
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
Male breast cancer
Paget's disease of the breast
Recurrent breast cancer

Signs & Symptoms

A breast lump or thickened area of skin that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
A nipple that looks flattened or turns inward.
Changes in the color of the breast skin. In people with white skin, the breast skin may look pink or red. In people with brown and Black skin, the breast skin may look darker than the other skin on the chest or it may look red or purple.
Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast.
Changes to the skin over the breast, such as skin that looks dimpled or looks like an orange peel.
Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the skin on the breast.

Risk Factors & Behaviors

Sex (Female)
A family history of breast cancer
A personal history of breast cancer
A personal history of breast conditions - including lobular carcinoma in situ, also called LCIS, and atypical hyperplasia of the breast
Beginning your period before age 12
Beginning menopause after age 55
Dense breast tissue
Drinking alcohol
Having your first child after age 30
Having never been pregnant
Increasing age
Inherited DNA changes - including BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
Menopausal hormone therapy
Obesity
Radiation exposure

There's no definitive way to prevent breast cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk. Execute breast self-exams to look/feel for changes.

Testing

Breast exam
Mammogram
Biopsy
MRI
Blood test
Bone scan
CT scan
PET scan

Treatment Options

Lumpectomy
Mastectomy
Sentinel node biopsy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Hormone therapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy

Local Resources

Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program (LBCHP)
- https://ldh.la.gov/page/breast-cervical-health-program
- https://lbchp.org/
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center - Prevention on the Go Program
Women’s Hospital
Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Program
Louisiana Cancer Research Center