Breast Cancer Care in Columbia, SC
Breast cancer is a tumor that forms in the cells of the breast that has the potential to spread. It can occur in both women and men, but it is far more common in women.
The board-certified oncologists at South Carolina Oncology Associates have extensive experience diagnosing and treating women for breast cancer. Call (803) 461-3000 to schedule a consultation at our oncology clinic in Columbia, SC.
What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
As you regularly check for changes in your breast tissue, you may find a lump or bump. Most are benign, meaning they do not spread out of the breast. However, it is important to monitor any breast lump and see an oncologist to help monitor your risk and see if it is cancerous.
Common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- a lump in the breast
- bloody discharge from the nipple
- changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast
We recommend regular screenings and check ups, as the early stages of breast cancer may not have obvious symptoms.
How Common is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting women worldwide. However, awareness, early detection, and advancements in treatment have transformed breast cancer into a disease that can be effectively managed or even prevented.
According to BreastCancer.org, breast cancer accounts for about 30 percent of all new cancer cases in women each year in the United States.
Keep in mind:
- Breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women
- The median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62
- A very small number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45
- A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer
- If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is very important to get regular screenings
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
As you visit with your doctor regularly, you may have routine testing and imaging like a mammogram.
If there is something suspicious, additional testing is usually done or you may be referred to a breast specialist with expertise in diagnosing breast problems.
To diagnose breast cancer, your doctor may recommend:
- Breast ultrasound – to see inside the breast using sound waves and pictures
- Diagnostic mammogram – a more detailed x-ray of the breast
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a detailed body scan that takes pictures of areas inside the breast using a magnet linked to a computer
Biopsy – removing tissue or fluid from the breast to be looked at under a microscope
What are Common Types of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer indicates that the cells in the breast can grow out of control. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.
A breast is made up of three main parts:
- Lobules – The glands that produce milk. Cancer beginning here is called invasive lobular carcinoma
- Ducts -The tubes that carry milk to the nipple. Cancer beginning here is called invasive ductal carcinoma, or there is also a type of cancer that is only in the lining of the ducts and has not spread to other tissues in the breast called Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
- Connective tissue – Has fibers and fat that holds everything together.
Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules and can be invasive or non-invasive.
What are the Treatment Options for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer can spread when the cancer cells get into the blood or lymph system and are carried to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasized.
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer and your specific situation. We will work with you if you are facing a breast cancer diagnosis. We know it can be a scary time, but you are not alone. There are millions of women who have successfully been treated for breast cancer.
Treatment for breast cancer may include:
- Chemotherapy – medicine to shrink or kill the cells
- Hormonal therapy – blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow
- Radiation – high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
- Surgery – an operation to cut out the cancer
Often, your oncologist recommends a combination of these treatments to give you the best possible results.
Breast Cancer Prevention
The best way to fight breast cancer is to prevent it.
There are several tips for preventing breast cancer, including:
- Early Detection – Breast cancer is highly treatable when detected at an early stage.
- Regular Screenings – Breast cancer awareness encourages regular screenings and self-examinations, increasing the chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment.
- Prevention – Learn about risk factors and lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Self-Examination – Monthly breast self-exams help individuals become familiar with their breasts and detect any changes or abnormalities.
- Mammography – Regular mammograms are essential for early detection, typically recommended annually for women over 40 or as advised by a healthcare provider.
- Risk Factors – Understanding risk factors, such as age, family history, and genetic mutations, can inform screening and prevention strategies.
- Lifestyle Choices – A healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking, can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
The expertly trained Oncologists at South Carolina Oncology Associates have extensive experience diagnosing and treating women throughout South Carolina for breast cancer. Call (803) 461-3000 to schedule a consultation at our oncology clinic in Columbia, SC.
