Breast Cancer Treatment

Learning about the various breast cancer treatment options can help a woman better understand the treatment plan recommended by her doctor. Treatment will vary between women depending on the stage of the breast cancer, results of the hormone receptor test, and overall health.

More on breast cancer treatment

Breast Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages of breast cancer, when the tumor is small and most treatable, there is usually no noticeable symptoms. This is why it is so important for women to follow the recommended breast cancer screening guidelines. The earlier the disease can be detected and treated, the better the chances for recovery.

It is only after the tumor has grown or spread, that it reaches a size that can be felt. At this stage, it can change how the breast or underarm area looks or feels. A woman should become familiar with the usual look and feel of her breast and underlying tissue so that if she notices any changes she can seek medical evaluation.

Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Women should be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence and development of breast cancer.

The common symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A painless mass in or near the breast area
• A lump or swelling in the underarm lymph nodes
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Breast pain or heaviness
• Dimpling or puckering of the breast's skin
• Swelling, thickening, or redness of the breast, nipple, or areola
• Nipple problems, including fluid or bloody discharge, erosion, inversion, or tenderness

If any of these symptoms are persistent and do not go away, a woman should be evaluated by her doctor as soon as possible. While these symptoms may be caused by other health problems and not due to cancer, medical care should be sought for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Detection and Diagnosis

Early detection of breast cancer is more likely when a woman is aware of the symptoms and participates in recommended breast cancer screening. Screening for breast cancer is looking for evidence of the disease when there are no outward symptoms.

Top 3 Methods of Screening for Breast Cancer

• Breast self-exams
• Clinical breast exams
• Mammogram

The best approach is to rely on all three methods of breast cancer screening. Generally, self-exams should begin during a woman's twenties; clinical exams by a nurse or doctor every three years during a woman's twenties and thirties; annual clinical exams and mammograms every one to two years once a woman reaches her forties.

If abnormal areas are found, other imaging tests (ultrasound, MRI) may be prescribed by the doctor. A biopsy, which is the removal of tissue for examination, may also be requested as this is the only way to confirm the presence of breast cancer. If breast cancer is detected, other lab tests will be performed to learn the extent of the disease (staging) and determine the best course of treatment.