BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Advancements in breast cancer treatment and research have changed rapidly over the last several decades, boosting survival rates and improving patients’ quality of care and life. At Personalized Hematology-Oncology, we are at the forefront of genetic testing and personalized targeted treatment, providing the expertise and compassion to plan a custom-tailored approach for treating your breast cancer.

Breast cancer occurs when cells mutate and grow uncontrollably in breast tissue, and women are significantly more affected by the disease than men. In fact, 99% of all breast cancer cases affect women according to the American Cancer Society, and it’s one of the leading causes of death in women.

The National Cancer Institute reports that 12.9% of all women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Women can take preventative measures to lower risks of developing breast cancer such as limiting alcohol consumption, staying physically active and even breastfeeding after a pregnancy. An overall healthy lifestyle will reduce risk as well; however, some factors like family history cannot be changed.

Most symptoms of breast cancer can be hard to detect and require a mammogram or a clinical breast exam to identify. Some warning signs may include:

• Changes in nipple or breast sensation – Nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening of the breast tissue
• Changes in the breast or nipple appearance – A sudden difference in size, shape, dimpling, shrinkage or swelling
• Discharge from the nipple – If you are not breastfeeding and there is any milky or bloody discharge

It is vital for women to visit a physician for regular checkups and mammograms to detect any abnormalities as early as possible. Be aware of the risk factors and plan your exams following these guidelines for mammograms. If a mammogram reveals abnormal findings, follow-up tests will be conducted by a doctor or other specialists and may include a breast MRI and/or a biopsy.

At Personalized Hematology-Oncology, we know that the optimal treatment plan is unique for every patient. That is why we develop a personalized approach to breast cancer treatment. Our experts in chemotherapy, targeted molecular therapies, genome science and infusion administration work together to create gene expression profiles of the tumor to determine the best drugs and treatment options for the specific cancer.