Frightening as it is to learn you have breast cancer, the good news is: Thanks to early detection, new treatments, research options, and the exceptional care available today, survival rates are increasingly optimistic for cancer victims of all ages. [CAN WE ADD A SUPPORTING STATISTIC HERE? ANY RWMC SPECIFIC OUTCOME STATS?]

At our state-of-the-art Breast Health Center, we offer one dedicated location for the complete range of care you may need--education, non-invasive and minimally invasive diagnostic procedures, chemo and radiation therapies, surgery, support groups, even access to research studies that can be the only form of effective treatment available for some complex cancer cases. In fact, our Breast Health Center is a perfect illustration of what separates us from other cancer specialty centers.

One, we believe having your entire care team accessible in one centralized location is important to your sense of wholeness and well being. Two, we are keenly aware that--like people--no two cancers look and act exactly the same. Here, your treatment plan is developed, based on your health, your individual cancer; your care plan is yours alone. Three, we are committed to the idea that scientific research into cancer causes and behaviors not only leads to better cancer treatment, it also produces better cancer specialists.

What is breast cancer?
Many breast tumors are benign; i.e., abnormal growths that do not spread outside of the breast, and they are not life threatening. A breast tumor that is malignant is one that starts from breast cells that divide and grow out of control. Lymph vessels (like blood vessels) in the breast carry lymph fluid that contains immune system cells and tissue waste products to small, pea-sized collections of tissue called lymph nodes. When breast cancer cells reach the underarm lymph nodes and continue to grow, they are more likely to spread to other organs.

What causes breast cancer?
Medical researchers have identified changes in certain genes within breast cells that can be linked to a higher risk for breast cancer. Breast cells contain a variety of genes that normally work cooperatively with a woman's natural hormones, diet, and environment to keep breasts healthy. Certain genes routinely keep breast cells from dividing and growing out of control and forming tumors. When these genes become altered, changes occur and a cell can no longer grow correctly.

Genetic changes may be inherited from a parent or may accumulate throughout a person's lifetime. Genetic testing is available for women and family members who choose to find out if they have inherited the genetic changes that increase their risk for cancer. While there is still much uncertainty involved with gene testing, we offer referrals to offsite genetics counseling to help you make informed decisions.

Are there different types of breast cancer?
Yes. The most common type of noninvasive breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which begins in the lining of the milk ducts of the breast. Noninvasive means that the cancer is confined to the ducts, and has not spread through the walls of the ducts into the breast's fatty tissue. Nearly all women with cancer at this stage can be cured, and the best way to find it early is with a mammogram.

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (ICS) starts in a milk passage or duct, breaks through the wall of the duct, and invades the fatty tissue of the breast. From there it can spread to other parts of the body. IDC accounts for about 80% of invasive breast cancers.

Infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) starts in the milk glands or lobules. It can spread to other parts of the body. This type of breast cancer accounts for about one in ten cases of invasive breast cancer.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): A tumor that hasn't spread beyond the area where it began is called in situ. Although not a true cancer, LCIS increases a woman's risk of developing cancer later. For this reason, it's important that women with LCIS have a physical exam two or three times a year, as well as a mammogram every year.

Paget's, Inflammatory?

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