Breast Cancer

In most cases, breast cancer gets detected during an annual screening mammogram.

If cancer is suspected, further testing determines if cancer is present. Tests that lead to a definitive diagnosis include:

• Diagnostic mammography: When a screening mammogram shows areas of concern, your provider may order a second mammogram.

• Breast ultrasound: With the same technology used to see unborn babies, this imaging test uses sound waves to capture pictures of your breasts, helping find lumps and other abnormalities.

• Breast MRI: Radio waves and magnets create highly detailed images of your breast tissue. An MRI of the breast may be used if you’re at high risk for breast cancer.

• Breast biopsy: A sample of breast tissue is removed for laboratory evaluation. Taken with a needle, the tissue is removed under guidance of various imaging technologies, such as ultrasound and MRI. This test will determine whether cancer is present.

Many breast cancers don't come with symptoms and are only detected on screening mammograms, which is why Ochsner encourage yearly mammograms for most women 40 and over, regardless of family history.

A mammogram is a special type of X-ray that can detect breast cancer. Ochsner offers 3D mammography (also called digital breast tomosynthesis) for the most advanced breast imaging.

Women at a high risk of breast cancer may need to start screening before age 40, or they may need screenings with breast MRI to provide more detail about their breast tissue.

Your Ochsner primary care team can help you assess when to start screening.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among American women, besides skin cancers. About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.

Research shows, screening and early detection of breast cancer leads to effective management and increases overall survival.

The purpose of Ochsner's High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic is to identify women who are at high-risk for developing a breast cancer in their lifetime, to form an individualized plan to help lower their risk and to identify those who may benefit from supplemental screening tests.

Ochsner's High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic establishes a relationship with patients who are at high risk for developing a breast cancer in their lifetime. The clinic is run by Ochsner's knowledgeable advanced practice providers, who will help you identify factors that put you at an increased risk for breast cancer.

The team at Ochsner Health will recalculate and discuss your individual risk scores and educate you on interventions to help lower this risk. An individualized plan may include referral to assist in further identifying risks and to assist with interventions to lower risks. The plan also might include additional imaging to screen for breast cancer more frequently.

Services to help women at risk for developing breast cancer and increase the likelihood of early detection include:

• Genetic counseling and testing
• Increased frequency and types of screenings
• Nutrition assistance
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management

If you have been told that you are at high-risk for breast cancer, either due to family history or based on mammogram results, ask your primary care team or gynecologist to place a referral to the team at Ochsner Health. Call 504-842-3910 for assistance.

You can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with one of Ochsner's high risk providers through the MyOchsner app, or by calling:

• 504-842-3910 in New Orleans
• 225-754-3272 in Baton Rouge
• 985-773-1500 in Covington

Watch these informational videos on the High Risk Program to understand more about Ochsner’s High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic:

What is a TC score?

What if I have a High TC Score?

Though breast cancer can affect anyone, two genes already in your body can increase your risk. Known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, these genes are supposed to help heal damaged DNA. When one of these genes mutates, or changes, healing doesn’t occur. This allows cancer to develop more easily.

If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, you’ll have the opportunity to undergo genetic testing. This testing helps your doctors develop treatment plans or make a screening schedule that will help diagnose breast cancer at the earliest possible stage. Additionally, you can share the results of your genetic tests with family members. Doing this lets them know if they may be at increased risk as well, so they can then decide if they would like genetic testing themselves.

Of course, breast cancer isn’t always connected to your genetics. To help decide whether to undergo testing, a genetic counselor talks you through the pros and cons of the test. And after testing, a genetic counselor helps you make sense of the information it provides.
 

Ochsner offers several treatment options for breast cancer patients. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your team may recommend one or more of the following:

• Chemotherapy: Often delivered by IV, chemotherapy is a special medication that finds and destroys cancerous cells.

• Immunotherapy: This advanced technique trains and helps your immune system to better recognize and destroy cancerous cells in the breast.

• Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is aimed at tumors, which gradually die from the radiation. New technology and techniques reduce damage to the heart and noncancerous cells in the breast.

• Cryoablation: This brief procedure eliminates cancer cells in the breast by freezing them. Using imaging as a guide, doctors insert a thin needle called a cryoprobe to target and freeze the tumor directly.

• Surgery: Most breast cancer patients undergo surgery. With advanced techniques, our surgeons remove part (lumpectomy) or all (mastectomy) of one or both breasts. Mammography guidance ensures removal of all cancer with greater accuracy.

• Reconstructive surgery: Following lumpectomy or mastectomy, reconstructive surgery helps you regain the shape of your breasts. Ochsner plastic surgeons repair any part of your breast affected by treatment, reconstructing your breast(s) with the use of your own tissue or implants.

Our team approach puts a group of expert breast cancer specialists by your side. Together, they work to move you toward good health and minimize side effects of your treatment. Your breast cancer team may include:

• Radiologists use imaging services to detect breast cancer, determine its location and monitor whether therapy is effective. Radiologists may also perform interventional treatments guided by imaging.

• Geneticists test your DNA to find out if your genes increase your risk of breast cancer.

• Nurse navigators walk with you on your cancer journey from diagnosis. They educate, schedule appointments and answer questions.

• Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons administer treatment.

• Nutritionists, psychologists, physical therapists and others care for your physical, mental and emotional health.

Each week, members of your team come together as the breast cancer tumor board to discuss your treatment and progress. If there are concerns or other treatment options that may work better, your team may adjust your treatment.
 

Breast cancer requires personalized, compassionate care. From diagnosis to treatment to ongoing follow-up care, Ochsner offers just that. Along the way, Ochsner's caring team members offer a broad range of cancer resources and support services.

These include:

• Acupuncture

• Counseling services

• Financial resources

• Housing during treatment

• Nutrition counseling

• Physical and occupational therapy

• Support groups

• Yoga classes

Today, there are more therapies for breast cancer than ever before. However, researchers are constantly looking for the next breakthrough. Some of these researchers are at Ochsner. Through the clinical trials program, you get to participate in this future-focused research.

Clinical trials give access to exciting new treatment options. Ochsner participates in clinical trials that aim to find new innovations in breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If you’re eligible for an ongoing trial, your care team will present the opportunity to you. By participating, you have a unique chance to shape the future of medicine.
 

"(I chose Ochsner because) I thought about the care my son had gotten. We had a strong connection to Ochsner. They had always given us tremendous support." -- Monica M., breast cancer patient

For many women, the first sign of breast cancer is a lump or mass found in the breast. Other breast cancer symptoms can include breast swelling, changes in appearance or texture of the skin or nipple (skin may feel similar to an orange peel or the skin or nipple may be dry, flaking, thick or red), nipple changes (including turning inward or discharge), and pain in the breast or nipple. In some cases, the lymph nodes in the neck or under the arm may swell.

Breast pain or nipple pain isn’t usually a symptom of breast cancer, and most breast pain is because of hormone fluctuations during your period, cysts (fluid-filled, tender lumps), injuries to the chest wall, infections or medication side effects. In rare cases, however, breast pain can be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer, a type of aggressive cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer may cause the breasts to be discolored, heavy, swollen or painful.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer in its earliest stages (while the cancer is still confined to the breast) has a five-year survival rate of 99%. Once it has spread to nearby structures, breast cancer’s five-year survival rate is 86%. Breast cancer that has spread to distant areas, such as the bones, liver or lungs, has a five-year survival rate of about 29%.

Breast cancer can silently progress for years without noticeable changes, such as lumps in your breasts. It's crucial to understand, however, that not every lump or irregularity signifies cancer. Ochsner urges you to consult with a healthcare professional if you detect any unusual mass or bump that persists beyond a few days.

Many breast cancers don't come with symptoms and are only detected on screening mammograms, which is why Ochsner encourages yearly mammograms for most women 40 and over, regardless of family history.

Several cancer screenings are available at most Ochsner locations. Your Ochsner primary care doctor can also perform some types of cancer screenings or help you schedule a screening at a location near you. Speak with your doctor to learn more about your screening options.

Ochsner team members conduct a breast cancer screening by conducting a mammogram. A mammogram is a special type of X-ray that can detect breast cancer. Ochsner offers 3D mammography (also called digital breast tomosynthesis) for the most advanced breast imaging.

Your Ochsner primary care doctor can also perform some types of cancer screenings or help you schedule a screening at a location near you.