What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

Originally published November 2022

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, second only to skin cancers. It’s also the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer.

In the United States, about 1 in 8 people (around 13%) assigned female at birth will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, each year nearly 290,000 people are diagnosed, and more than 43,000 lose their lives to the disease.

Why does early detection matter?  

The goal of breast cancer screening is to find cancer before symptoms appear. Detecting it early makes a huge difference for two reasons:

• When cancer is found early and still localized to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 99%.
• If it spreads to nearby areas, like lymph nodes, survival drops to about 86%.
• Once it has spread to distant areas (stage IV), it becomes incurable, with a 5-year survival rate of about 29%.

• Early-stage cancers often mean fewer intensive treatments.
• Patients may be less likely to need chemotherapy or major surgeries like a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). 

How is breast cancer detected?

The best tool we have for early detection is the mammogram – a low-dose X-ray that looks for changes in breast tissue.

• General guidelines: Most people should begin yearly mammograms at age 40.
• High-risk individuals (such as those with a family history, a BRCA gene mutation, or past chest radiation before age 30) should begin screening earlier, often around age 30, using a combination of mammograms and breast MRIs.

What if my mammogram shows something abnormal?

If a mammogram finds something unusual, your provider will want to take a closer look. This usually means additional imaging, such as a repeat mammogram or an ultrasound. If the abnormality is still present, the next step is often a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken using a needle and examined under imaging guidance.

What are some symptoms of breast cancer to look out for?

While screenings are key, it’s just as important to pay attention to your body. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your healthcare provider right away:

• A lump in the breast or armpit
• Redness, swelling, or skin changes on the breast
• Nipple changes, such as discharge or retraction
• Breast or nipple pain

Comprehensive Breast Care Close to Home

At Care New England, we provide a full range of breast cancer screening and treatment services, including:

• 3D mammography and digital tomosynthesis
• Breast ultrasounds and MRIs
• Biopsies
• Access to breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, genetic counselors, and more
• Opportunities to participate in clinical trials exploring new treatments

Our team is here to guide you through every step, from screening to diagnosis to treatment, with state-of-the-art care.

Take Charge of Your Health

Mammograms save lives. Scheduling yours is one of the best steps you can take to protect your health.

To learn more about breast health services at Kent and Women & Infants Hospital, or to make an appointment, visit:

• https://www.kentri.org/services/breast-health
• https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/breast-health