Did you know that breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the world’s most diagnosed cancer, accounting for 12% of all new annual cancer cases globally? It’s also the most common cancer among women in the United States, and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths.
An estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women, along with 51,400 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer each year. About one in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. These are staggering numbers. And behind every number is a person who matters.
We’re here to spread breast cancer awareness so you’re well-equipped with information that could help you catch it early and stop it from spreading. And while we hope you never face a diagnosis, if you do, you’ll have an expert team at your side to support your whole health with compassion and precision.
Preventive Breast Care
Many women experience no symptoms of breast cancer. That’s why annual mammograms are still the top recommended screening for women, allowing the earliest possible detection of breast cancer — even before you experience symptoms, if at all.
Decades of research show that breast cancer is more likely to be detected early in women who have regular mammograms. They’re also less likely to need aggressive treatment like surgery or chemotherapy, and have the best chance for a total cure.
If you’re between the ages of 20 and 40 and are not at a high risk for breast cancer, you should have a clinical breast exam by your doctor every three years at minimum. If you’re 40 or older, an annual screening mammogram is recommended.
What Happens Next if You’re Diagnosed With Breast Cancer?
A breast cancer treatment program should offer one-on-one support from an expert team with options that speak to your specific condition. Know that if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, we’re by your side at every step. We offer advanced treatments and personalized care with you in mind. Breast cancer stages and types help us determine the most effective course of action.
If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, the first step is finding treatment that’s right for you. Treatment options and follow-up care that may be recommended based on your circumstances include:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells by interrupting cell division. Chemo can stop cancer from spreading, ease symptoms by shrinking tumors and possibly cure cancer
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy targets specific areas of the body, shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells by damaging their DNA
- Surgery: Our fellowship-trained surgeons emphasize treating tumors with techniques that optimize each patient’s recovery. Types of breast cancer surgery include lumpectomy, mastectomy or post-treatment resection
- Targeted therapy: We provide several types of targeted therapies, including hormone therapy and immunotherapy, that more precisely identify and attack cancer cells
In many cases, breast cancer treatment requires patients to see multiple specialists, which can add up to long hours traveling, scheduling various appointments and undergoing difficult treatments over weeks and months when you’re already worried and not feeling well.
At our multidisciplinary breast care clinics throughout Central Florida, our breast cancer patients can get comprehensive, expert care from several specialists in one appointment, making treatment more efficient and less stressful.
At your multidisciplinary breast cancer clinic, your care team includes experts in different specialties, including medical oncologists, breast cancer surgeons and radiation oncologists. Together, these specialists work with each patient to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Awareness is Power in Preventing and Overcoming Breast Cancer
While preventing breast cancer is ideal, overcoming breast cancer is our goal for every patient. And we will work tirelessly to achieve it.
If you're experiencing breast cancer symptoms or have a diagnosis, rest assured we're with you every step of the way.
Learn more about how we can support your healing at LeadingBreastCare.com.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up