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%.

Every breast cancer journey begins with diagnosis. 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.

There are several risk factors associated with breast cancer that may be modifiable. Research shows, screening and early detection of breast cancer leads to effective management and increases overall survival.

For those at high risk, Ochsner created the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic. There, nurse practitioners and other advanced practice providers educate women on breast cancer risk factors and ways to lower their risk. You may be at a high risk for breast cancer if you’ve previously had breast or ovarian cancer, multiple family members had breast or ovarian cancer, or you’ve inherited a risk of breast cancer because of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, and more.

At each visit, team members recalculate your risk. They will assist you in identifying individualized risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable) that make you at an increased risk for breast cancer. They then make a recommendation for ongoing disease prevention, which may include additional imaging to screen for breast cancer, recommending medical or surgical treatment, or referring you to other appropriate specialists

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

High-risk women can contact the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic at 504-842-3910 (New Orleans), 225-754-3272 (Baton Rouge) or 985-773-1500 (Covington) or schedule with one of our High Risk Providers via myOchsner

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

Whether you need screening, genetic testing or breast cancer treatment, you don’t have to travel far. With breast cancer care programs across Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ochsner has a breast cancer care location near you.

Ochsner offers patients several treatment options. 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.

• 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.

On your journey, our team approach puts a group of breast cancer experts 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.

• 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 that requires personalized, compassionate care. From diagnosis to treatment to ongoing follow-up care, Ochsner offers just that. Along the way, our 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 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 our clinical trials program, you get to participate in this future-focused research.

Clinical trials give access to exciting new treatment options. All year round, Ochsner engages 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.