Breast Cancer Overview
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with roughly 250,000 new cases diagnosed in women, and nearly 3,000 in men, each year. But at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), we know that each of those cancers is unique – just as each cancer patient is unique. That is why we carefully analyze each tumor, and create a breast cancer treatment plan that will most effectively fight that specific disease, and best meet each patient’s personal needs and goals. Our physicians also participate in multidisciplinary conferences and tumor boards to ensure patients receive the most comprehensive care possible.
At RMCC, patients and physicians work together, developing relationships that continue throughout treatment and through years of follow-up care.
Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer
You can be proactive at detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages when treatment is more likely to offer a better outcome–and it starts with increasing your awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Detecting & Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Early detection is key in the treatment of breast cancer. While breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, many women experience no symptoms at all. This is why regular screening is so important.
Breast Cancer Types & Hormone Receptors
Your breast cancer treatment will depend on a vary of results including the specific type of breast cancer that you’ve been diagnosed with and its hormone receptor status. There are certain types of breast cancer that are more common than others.
Breast Cancer Staging & Lymph Node Involvement
It is important for your cancer care team to determine the extent of your breast cancer, including lymph node status. Treatment decisions and outlook are both affected by the stage and lymph node status of your breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
At RMCC, we work with our patients to create personalized breast cancer treatment plans. You and your oncologist will work together to decide on the cancer treatments that are best for you, based on your specific breast cancer and other factors.
Breast Cancer Reconstruction Surgery
After a mastectomy, or other surgeries used to treat breast cancer, some women may decide to have their breast(s) reconstructed. Deciding on breast reconstruction is a personal choice that is right for some but not for others.
Breast Cancer Research & Clinical Trials
Many breast cancer types have well-established treatments that have proven to work effectively for many patients; however, there’s usually room for improvement. Cancer clinical trials and research takes a closer look at possible new combinations of breast cancer therapies and treatment plans using FDA approved medicines and procedures.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors & Genetics
There are a variety of factors that can increase your risk of breast cancer. While most of these risk factors can’t be controlled (such as genetics), factors that involve personal lifestyle choices can be changed.
