Breast Cancer Care
About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime — yet thanks to early detection and increasingly effective treatments, long-term survival rates are at an all-time high.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a tumor. It can start in the glands (lobules), ducts or connective tissue of the breast. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S., after skin cancer.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop breast cancer, certain factors increase risk:
- Age (risk rises after age 40)
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Inherited gene mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2, others)
- Dense breast tissue
- Previous chest radiation
- Hormone therapy after menopause
Symptoms
Warning signs may include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Change in breast size, shape or appearance
- Skin changes such as dimpling or redness
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- Nipple inversion or pain
Many breast changes are not cancer, but it’s important to see a healthcare provider promptly if you notice anything unusual.
Treatment
AtlantiCare provides individualized treatment plans developed by breast surgeons, oncologists, nurse navigators, dietitians and genetic counselors.
Treatment options include:
- Surgery – Our breast surgeons perform the full range of procedures, from standard to advanced:
- Lumpectomy (breast-sparing surgery)
- Mastectomy, including nipple-sparing mastectomy
- Reconstructive surgery, offered immediately or at a later stage
- Hidden-scar surgery
- Drain-free breast surgery
- Wireless localization
- Oncoplastic techniques
- Reverse arm mapping
- Radiation Therapy – HDR brachytherapy, IGRT, RapidArc®, IMRT and CyberKnife® offer highly targeted treatment.
- Medical Oncology – Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are tailored to each patient.
- Lumpectomy (breast-sparing surgery)
Prevention
- Screening Mammography – Annual mammograms are recommended for women beginning at age 40.
- 3D Mammography (tomosynthesis) – more accurate detection, especially for dense breast tissue.
- Healthy Lifestyle – exercise, balanced diet, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight may lower risk.
- Risk-reducing options – medications or preventive surgery for women with very high risk (e.g., BRCA mutation).