Advances in Prevention & Treatment
Breast cancer, which is a growth of malignant cells in breast tissue, is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S. However, survival rates are improving and treatments continue to advance, thanks to awareness efforts and funding for research. Read on to learn about breast cancer screenings, symptoms of breast cancer, how to perform a breast self-exam, and advancements in treatment options.
Prevention is Key
When it comes to disease, prevention is key. While genetics play a factor in the potential development of breast cancer, a healthy lifestyle aids in prevention. “Effective strategies include exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle,” says Dr. Betsy Washburn, a board-certified breast surgeon at CHI Memorial Hospital. “This involves maintaining a healthy BMI, engaging in regular exercise, refraining from tobacco use, and limiting alcohol consumption. It is also important to be aware of your family history of breast cancer. For those that have a significant family history, being part of a high-risk breast cancer clinic can identify your risk of breast cancer through genetic testing and increased screening.”
Breast Cancer Screenings & Self-Exams
Breast cancer screenings are a common way to check for breast cancer. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breasts, which can identify changes in breast tissue before physical symptoms develop. Several specialty societies such as The American College of Radiology, The American Society of Breast Surgeons, and The Society of Breast Imaging recommend women with average risk of breast cancer begin screenings at age 40, and at earlier ages for women with higher risk. “Initiating screening mammography at age 40 provides the most effective strategy for early detection and mortality reduction,” shares Dr. Eric Manahan, a general surgeon, co-director of the Breast Program at Peeples Cancer Institute at Hamilton Medical Center, and president-elect of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.
In 1995, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital began researching a new screening technology that would eventually gain FDA approval in 2011. Now called a 3D mammogram, this technology has increased breast cancer detection rates. Dr. Washburn shares, “The development of 3D mammography has proven to have a positive impact for patients, especially those with dense breast tissue. 3D imaging allows the radiologist to view the images in a three-dimensional view, which results in enhanced cancer detection by allowing the radiologist to view the tissue in slices, uncovering overlapping breast tissue.”
Currently, many researchers are looking to artificial intelligence (AI) to power future screening tools. AI has the potential to detect very subtle signs of early cancer not detectable by the human eye. It could also reduce the likeliness of false positive results, and could produce a more accurate cancer risk score for patients.
For women ages 40 and younger, a monthly breast self-exam can help identify changes in the breasts. Dr. Delmon Ashcraft Jr., an OB/GYN specialist at Galen Ridgeside, says, “The goal of a breast self-exam isn’t to become an expert at detecting problems, it’s about becoming familiar with what’s normal for you. That way if something changes, you’re more likely to notice. Keep an eye out for a new lump or thickening, nipple discharge, changes in shape, size, or texture, or a nipple that starts to turn inward or looks different than usual.”
How to Perform A Breast Self-Exam
- 1. Looking in a mirror, stand with your arms by your sides then raise them overhead.
- 2. Look at your breasts and nipples for any visible changes in size, shape, or skin texture – like dimpling, puckering, or redness. Check for changes in your nipples, such as turning inward.
- 3. With the pads of your fingers, use small circular motions to check your entire breast and armpit area with light, medium, and firm pressure.
- 4. Lie on your back with one arm behind your head. With your opposite hand, repeat the circular motions.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer & Early Detection
When symptoms of breast cancer appear, says Dr. Ashcraft, it is typically a lump. “Other subtle changes can also be early signs,” he explains, “such as a change in how your breast looks or feels, unusual nipple discharge, skin dimpling or redness, and persistent breast pain in one spot.” These symptoms can also be signs of benign conditions, so addressing any concerns with your primary care provider can help diagnose any issues.
Ultimately, early detection is critical to improving patient outcomes and survival rates. Dr. Patrick Williams, an oncologist at Erlanger’s department of radiation oncology, says that timing can drastically improve results. “The smaller a cancer is when it’s detected, the more likely a cure is possible,” he shares. “Cure rates now approach 98-100%, even for the most aggressive subtypes, if they are found early.” According to the American Cancer Society, localized breast cancer, when detected early, has a 5-year relative survival rate of 99%.
Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment & Improved Patient Outcomes
Depending on the stage of breast cancer the patient has, treatments can vary from radiation and chemotherapy to surgery. Fortunately, patient experiences and outcomes have significantly improved in the past few decades and continue to improve, thanks to clinical trials and additional research.
Breast cancer treatment often begins with surgery to remove the cancer. Typically, patients will undergo either a lumpectomy, which removes the breast cancer tissue and some healthy tissue around it, or a mastectomy, which involves removing all of the breast tissue. “Surgery often offers the best chance for a cure when the disease is found early,” shares Dr. Manahan. “Modern techniques are designed with comfort and confidence in mind, supporting both healing and quality of life. Women now benefit from less invasive procedures that treat the cancer while preserving the natural shape of the breast. Oncoplastic surgery blends cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques, while nipple-sparing mastectomy offers both safety and confidence.”
Therapeutics, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, are often used to treat breast cancer before or after surgery. These therapeutic techniques continue to advance, allowing for more personalization to the unique cancer type of each patient, and new therapies are being tested to better treat breast cancer and prevent recurrence. “Multiple treatment options are tailored to the patient’s unique cancer type,” Dr. Williams says. “Surgeries have become more precise. Radiation treatments have become shorter and with less side effects. Chemotherapy will now often cause a cancer to completely vanish before surgery. Thanks to advancements in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and ablative radiotherapy, even those with cancer that has spread to the brain can now lead full lives. Women are now living many years longer after their diagnosis and treatment.”
As advancements in the treatment of breast cancer help save the lives of breast cancer patients, it is important to continue making lifestyle choices that support cancer prevention, and share any changes, signs, and symptoms with your doctor.
Ultimately, early detection is critical to improving patient outcomes and survival rates. Dr. Patrick Williams, an oncologist at Erlanger’s department of radiation oncology, says that timing can drastically improve results. “The smaller a cancer is when it’s detected, the more likely a cure is possible,” he shares. “Cure rates now approach 98-100%, even for the most aggressive subtypes, if they are found early.” According to the American Cancer Society, localized breast cancer, when detected early, has a 5-year relative survival rate of 99%.
Betsy Washburn, MD
CHI Memorial Breast Care Associates
Delmon Ashcraft Jr., MD, FACOG
Galen OB/GYN Ridgeside
Patrick Williams, MD
Erlanger, Tennessee Oncology
Eric Manahan, MD, MBA, FACS
Peeples Cancer Institute, Hamilton Medical Center
Meet the Author
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated marketing communications, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and IMC Student of the Year. Following Winthrop, Kristen earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Publications as editor, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, Kristen leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
