Breast Cancer Care
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, but it’s also one of the most treatable. With advances in screening, treatment, and awareness, more people are surviving and regaining their quality of life after their diagnosis.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. It occurs when cancerous cells in your breasts multiply and become tumors. The single biggest risk factor is simple: being a woman.
While most breast cancers typically affect women post menopause age 50 and older, younger women in their 20s and 30s and even men may develop breast cancer.
Other risks also include genetics. About 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to inherited mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. While genetics can play a role, the majority of breast cancers aren’t hereditary.
Schedule a Screening Mammogram
Please call 817-702-7570 to schedule your screening mammogram with JPS Health Network
Breast cancer has multiple types and stages.
The three main Breast Cancer types are:
- Hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2-negative
This is the most common type of breast cancer. The cancer cells grow in response to hormones like estrogen or progesterone, but do not have high levels of the HER2 protein.
- HER2-positive
These cancer cells have too much of a protein called HER2, which helps them grow faster.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
The most aggressive form of cancer, which is often seen in younger patients and Black women.
Staging depends on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and whether the cancer has spread. Doctors also consider tumor biology, such as hormone receptors, when creating treatment plans.
The most common sign is a breast lump or mass. It is vital not to ignore a lump even if you’ve had a recent mammogram because even with a negative mammogram, guidelines often recommend further imaging or sometimes a biopsy.
Other signs may include changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or persistent pain.
The gold standard for screening is the mammogram, typically recommended to start at age 40 – 45, depending on the guidelines. At JPS, women can access mammograms even without insurance through partnerships with Moncrief Cancer Institute and UT Southwestern.
If an abnormality is found, follow-up steps may include diagnostic imaging and a needle biopsy, which allows doctors to test for hormone and HER2 receptors.
Schedule a Screening Mammogram
Please call 817-702-7570 to schedule your screening mammogram with JPS Health Network