Breast Cancer Basics

The Breasts/Cancer Cells

• Breast Composition: Composed of lobes, lobules, ducts, and fat and fibrous tissue.
• Cancer Cells: Grow and divide uncontrollably, forming lumps or tumors. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Types/Tests

• Common Types: Ductal carcinoma (70% of cases) and lobular carcinoma (10% of cases).
• Tests: Hormone receptor and HER2 tests to determine treatment options. Staging tests like lymph node biopsy, CT scan, MRI, bone scan, and PET scan to determine the extent of cancer.

Stages

• Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ, confined to the ducts.
• Stage I-IV: Increasingly advanced stages, with IV being the most advanced, indicating spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

• Options: Surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy.
• Factors: Stage of cancer, presence of hormone receptors, HER2 levels, general health, tumor size, and menopausal status.

Surgery

• Types: Breast-sparing surgery (lumpectomy) and mastectomy (total or modified radical).
• Considerations: Tumor characteristics, patient preferences, and potential need for radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy

• Types: External (machine) and internal (brachytherapy).
• Side Effects: Skin irritation, fatigue, and potential long-term effects.

Hormone Therapy

• Purpose: Blocks hormones that promote cancer growth.
• Types: Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, surgery to remove ovaries.

Chemotherapy

• Purpose: Kills cancer cells.
• Side Effects: Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, increased risk of infection, and potential long-term effects like heart damage.

Targeted Therapy

• Purpose: Blocks specific proteins that promote cancer growth.
• Side Effects: Similar to chemotherapy but targeted to specific cancer cells.

Breast Reconstruction

• Options: Implants or tissue reconstruction.
• Considerations: Timing, patient preferences, and potential impact of radiation therapy.

Nutrition

• Importance: Maintaining a balanced diet to support health and treatment.

Follow-up Care

• Purpose: Monitoring for recurrence, managing treatment side effects, and addressing new concerns.

PA Breast Cancer Coalition Services

• Support: Patient advocate, insurance guidebook, care packages, educational programs, and legislative advocacy.
• Resources: Information on free mammograms and treatment, support groups, and community outreach.

Words To Know

• Glossary: Provides definitions for medical terms related to breast cancer and its treatment.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer, its stages, treatments, and support resources. It is structured to guide patients through the various aspects of diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and support.