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When you are facing breast cancer, you are not alone.  Our entire team of breast cancer experts at the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center is here for you every step of the way, from prevention, screening and diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. Our goal is to stop your breast cancer. And we have made it our mission to guide your healing — physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

It’s important to understand that different people experience different breast cancer symptoms — including no signs or symptoms at all. If you have any of the following sign or symptoms, you should see your doctor right away:

 

  • Lumps, hard knots or thickening inside the breast or underarm
  • Breast swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin dimpling or puckering
  • An itchy, scaly nipple sore or rash
  • Nipple or breast inversion or retraction
  • Sudden nipple discharge
  • New pain in one spot that does not go away

 

You can improve your chances of catching breast cancer early by performing regular breast self-examinations. Additionally, a clinical breast exam should be part of your annual well-woman checkup performed by your doctor. And, getting your annual mammogram is vital, and may add years to your life. 

Learn more about breast cancer symptoms > 

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Types of Breast Cancer

Many people think of breast cancer as a single disease, when in fact, there are many different types of breast cancer — each characterized by unique features and behaviors, such as where the cancer starts, whether it’s invasive or not, its molecular makeup and more. 

Our cancer doctors are experts at using this information to help determine everything from prognosis to what cancer treatment should look like and more.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer
An aggressive, less common invasive cancer that doesn’t produce lumps or tumors. It makes the breast skin appear red and feel warm, and the breast may become larger and more tender. 

Metastatic Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is classified as metastatic if it has spread to other areas of the body. It is also called stage IV breast cancer. Similar to chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, metastatic breast cancer is treatable — though it is not curable.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
An aggressive type of invasive breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and makes very little of the HER2 protein which is the target of many of the breast cancer treatments available.

Male Breast Cancer
This type of breast cancer is rare (less than 1% of all breast cancers) and begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue of men. Breast cancer can occur in men at any age, but typically between the ages of 60 and 70.
Learn more about types of breast cancer

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Breast Cancer Treatment

Houston Methodist’s oncologists, nurses and staff have decades of experience studying and treating all breast cancer types and stages. We are committed to providing comprehensive breast cancer care, creating personal connections to ensure each patient receives excellent care in an atmosphere filled with collaboration, research and compassion.

 

Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care — For Every Step of Your Journey


woman being screened for breast cancer
Breast Cancer Screening & Breast Exams

All women are at risk for breast cancer, and this risk increases with age. Fortunately, mammogram screenings can help catch breast cancer early when it’s easiest to treat. You can improve your chances of catching breast cancer early by performing regular breast self-exams, having a clinical breast exam during your annual well-woman checkup, and getting your annual screening mammogram starting at age 40 — or younger, if you have a family history.

patient and doctor
Breast Cancer Treatment Options

At Houston Methodist, we are dedicated to providing leading-edge breast cancer treatment, including advanced breast surgery techniques, chemotherapy, radiation, breast reconstruction and clinical trials. Our goal is to provide effective treatments, while preserving the form and function of the breast whenever possible.

smiling doctor with patient
Breast Reconstruction After Treatment

After you have breast cancer treatment, you may want reconstruction of your breasts — and most women have the option of undergoing the surgery immediately. But it’s never too late to consider breast reconstruction. Our surgeons are national leaders in breast reconstruction surgery, and Houston Methodist is one of very few hospital systems in the country with expertise in restoring breast sensation after a mastectomy. 

 

3 female patients talking together in group setting
Patient Support & Survivorship

People experiencing a cancer diagnosis, along with their loved ones, need support. Having a safe place to express their feelings and fears with people going through similar experiences is crucial to help a person process and face a cancer diagnosis.  We also recognize that cancer survivorship begins at the moment of diagnosis and continues through treatment and beyond. Life may be different after being diagnosed, and learning what to expect and how to respond can be extremely powerful and help survivors take back control of their lives.

Houston Methodist Breast Cancer Specialists

Our highly skilled team of breast cancer specialists, including medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, nurses, nurse navigators, and support staff, have decades of experience researching and treating all breast cancer stages and types. They make it their mission to work together to design the most effective treatment plan to stop your breast cancer.

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    Breast Cancer Education & Awareness

    We recognize that the sheer volume of breast cancer information out there can be overwhelming, so we have streamlined it below to make it easier for you to digest as well as to make sure you understand what you absolutely need to know.
    • Breast Cancer Information
    • Breast Cancer Stages
    • Risk Factors and Causes
    • Breast Cancer Information

      Breast Cancer Information 

      Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S. — In fact, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection through annual mammograms and other breast exams is the best way to avoid a late-stage diagnosis and have a more successful outcome.

      It's very important to understand your risk for breast cancer. Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center launched its High Risk Program to identify and serve patients with a stronger-than-average chance of developing breast, gastrointestinal, ovarian or uterine cancer. 

    • Breast Cancer Stages

      Understanding the Stages of Breast Cancer

      There are five stages of breast cancer: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. The higher the number, the more the cancer has spread. The cancer is staged when you are first diagnosed and helps you and your doctor figure out your prognosis, decide on the best treatment options, and determine if you are a good candidate for certain clinical trials.

      Learn more about breast cancer diagnosis and the five stages of breast cancer > 

    • Risk Factors and Causes

      Common Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Causes

      Breast cancer occurs when cells of the breast, often those located in the milk-producing ducts, begin to grow out of control. In some cases, breast cancer is caused by known hormonal or genetic changes. But, in other cases, it's not always exactly clear why breast cancer develops. 

      Having one or more of the risk factors below doesn't mean you'll get breast cancer, just as having none doesn't mean you won't get it. This is simply a list of what's known to be associated with an increased chance of eventually developing this particular type of cancer.

       

      • Family history of breast cancer
      • Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
      • Personal history of noncancerous (benign) tumors and tissue removal
      • Mutations in breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2)
      • Menstruation before age 12
      • Giving birth to a first child after age 30 or being childless
      • Beginning menopause after age 55
      • Aging – most cases occur after age 50
      • Consuming more than one alcoholic drink daily
      • Being overweight or obese – especially after menopause or if excess body fat is in the upper body
      • Taking birth control pills at least four years before a first, full-term pregnancy
      • Postmenopausal hormone therapy
      • Estrogen produced by the body
      • Occupational radiation exposure

       

      All women are at risk for breast cancer, and it's a risk that increases with age. That’s why it's important to know the annual screenings that are key to early breast cancer detection, even if you don't have a family history.

      Learn more about breast cancer screenings and prevention >

    FAQs About Breast Cancer

    Is breast cancer painful?

    Breast cancer is not usually painful.

    Can men be diagnosed with breast cancer?

    Yes men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Learn more about male breast cancer > 

    Is breast cancer hereditary?

    Only about 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, meaning the cancer runs in your family. The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene; a woman with this mutation is at a much higher breast cancer risk — by as much as 87%. It’s important to understand that most women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. Learn more about Houston Methodist’s genetic counseling for patients and their families who may be at higher risk for developing hereditary cancers, including breast cancer.

    How do I check for breast cancer?

    Perform regular breast self-exams as well as schedule your annual mammogram if you are 40 or older, or younger if you have a family history of breast cancer. 

    What is metastatic breast cancer?

    Cancer that’s spread (metastasized) from your breast to other areas of your body, most commonly the bones, lungs, brain or liver. Learn more about metastatic breast cancer > 

    How can I prevent breast cancer?

    Perform regular breast self-exams as well as schedule your annual mammogram if you are 40 or older, or younger if you have a family history of breast cancer. Mammography is still the most effective tool to diagnose early-stage breast cancer, before tumors are large enough to be felt or cause symptoms.

    Other ways to lower your risk of breast cancer include:

     

    • Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight
    • Being physically active
    • Avoiding or limiting alcohol
    • Breastfeeding
    • Adding olive oil to your diet
    • Taking preventive medications, such as tamoxifen and raloxifene
    • Genetic testing and intervention, such as frequent screening or prophylactic surgery

    Do breast cancer lumps hurt?

    Breast lumps are typically painless, but occasionally a woman may experience pain with a lump. Read our blog post on When to Worry About Breast Lumps >

    Is breast cancer treatable?

    What month is breast cancer awareness month?

    October.