What you need to know about breast cancer - Rebecca Bowie, RN

What you need to know about breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in U.S. women, after skin cancer.  It is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer.  It can also occur in men, though incidence is rare.  The survival rate has improved because of earlier diagnosis and the variety of treatments now available.  About half of all breast cancers occur in the upper outer part of the breast closest to the arm.  It usually develops in the ducts or lobules of the breast.   Breast cancer may spread by way of the lymphatic system or bloodstream to the lungs, liver, bones and other organs.   

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer to watch for are:

• a lump or mass in the breast
• change in symmetry or size of the breast
• change in the skin (such as thickening or dimpling, scaly skin around the nipple, an orange-peel-like appearance, or ulcers)
•  unusual drainage or discharge from the breast, change in the nipple (such as itching, burning, erosion, or retraction)
• swelling of the armpit, pain or tenderness in the breast, change in skin temperature or color (a warm, hot, or pink area)   

These signs and symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer.  However, you should tell your doctor about any lump or any changes in the skin of the breast, nipple, or areola (the round area of dark-colored skin around the nipple).  The earlier you detect breast cancer, the sooner it can be treated and the better it responds to therapy.  

The cause of breast cancer is unknown but there are various risk factors that may contribute to the development of breast cancer:

•   high breast tissue density
•   Family history of cancer
•  Genetics
•   Long menstrual history (early age of onset before age 12 & late onset of menopause after age 55)
•  Never having children, or having a first child after the age of 30
•  Having a previous biopsy showing hyperplasia
•  Postmenopausal hormone use
•  Being overweight and inactive

Breast cancer screening is important for all women as breast cancer most commonly happens to women with no risk factors.

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center has experienced registered nurses called Breast Patient Navigators.  Their services are provided to any breast cancer patient in the community free of charge.  As dedicated members of your cancer care team, the Breast Patient Navigators can assist in facilitating personalized cancer care for you. This includes:

•  Consulting with you and your family members to describe the comprehensive spectrum of services available in our community.
• Collaborating with your healthcare team as a patient advocate to ensure that barriers to timely treatment are minimized.
• Assessing your individual needs and providing customized community resource information & educational materials.
• Educating patients about breast cancer, diagnosis and treatment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with our Breast Navigation Team, call (509) 737-3480 or (800) 377-0856.

Our Resource Center also offers a host of products and services at no-cost for breast cancer patients and other patients undergoing cancer treatment. Feel free to stop by any time between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday - Friday:

Resource Center offers free:

·         Wigs

·         Hats

·         Specialty mastectomy products:

o   Mastectomy bras

o   Post-surgical camisoles 

o   Breast prosthetics

Services by appointment include: 

·         Facials

·         Wig styling

·         Nutritional counseling

Call (509) 737-3420 for an appointment