After a diagnosis: What to know about breast cancer care

Nearly 311,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year among U.S. women, including 4,230 cases here in Louisiana. If you or a loved one are part of that number, what should you expect from breast cancer care?

The first thing to know is that while breast cancer is common, it’s also usually quite treatable, mainly when found in an early stage. The five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast is 99%.

Over the years, there have been many innovations related to breast cancer, including better diagnostic tools and new treatment options. Keep reading to learn more about breast cancer care from the Touro Cancer Care team.

The facts about breast cancer

Among U.S. women, breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer. Breast cancer is categorized in different ways:

• Cancer that doesn’t spread beyond the original site is known as “in situ.”
• Breast cancer that spreads to lymph nodes and nearby tissue is called “invasive breast cancer.” Triple-negative breast cancer is one type of invasive breast cancer.
• Cancer that spreads from the breasts to other parts of the body is called “metastatic breast cancer.”

Along with identifying cancerous cells by where they are, breast cancer is also divided into types based on where the cells originate.

Ductal carcinoma, which is most common, begins in the breast ducts, while lobular carcinoma originates in the breast lobules. Inflammatory breast cancer occurs when lymph vessels in the breast skin are blocked by cancer cells, and Paget’s disease of the breast begins in the skin of the nipple. Each type of breast cancer can cause distinct symptoms.

Paget’s disease of the breast, for example, can lead to darkened skin around the nipple or an eczema-like rash affecting the nipple or surrounding breast tissue. Inflammatory breast cancer can cause breast tissue to become warm or red. Breast or armpit lumps, breast thickening, dimpling of the breast skin, breast pain, or nipple discharge can also be a sign of cancer.

If you experience any of these potential signs of breast cancer, check in with a women’s health provider, who can perform a breast exam and recommend next steps.

How breast cancer is treated

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your care team, including an oncologist, will create a treatment plan based on factors, such as the type of cancer you have and its stage.

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are treated with surgery such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Surgery may be used as a standalone treatment, or it may be used along with other therapies, such as chemotherapy after surgery to fully kill cancer cells.

Treatment for breast cancer may also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and clinical trials. Hormone therapy may be recommended in some cases, including for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Breast cancer can have a genetic component. If desired, we can set up genetic testing and counseling to determine if you have a genetic mutation. This information can help inform your treatment and provide potentially invaluable family history for your loved ones.

Finding the support you need

Breast cancer care goes well beyond physically removing cancer from the body. As an Accredited Breast Center, we offer a full spectrum of services related to breast cancer, including dedicated breast cancer nurse navigators.

Our nurse navigators are here to walk with you from the moment of diagnosis, helping you to explore treatment options, find the support you need and learn how to manage treatment side effects.

We also recognize that the person diagnosed with breast cancer isn’t the only one dealing with the diagnosis. Our support services extend to other people affected by cancer, including your family members and other loved ones. Whatever you need during this time, we’re here to help.

Whether you are due for a mammogram or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can turn to the Touro Breast Care Center. To schedule an appointment, call 504.521.6209.