Fact Sheets

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second-deadliest cancer among American women. In addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle, early detection with regular mammograms remains the most effective way to combat the disease. Steady declines in breast cancer deaths among women since 1989 have been attributed to a combination of early detection and improvements in treatment.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an uncommon, highly aggressive form of breast cancer in which cancerous cells obstruct the lymph vessels in the breast. The disease is named because of its primary symptoms of redness and swelling. IBC spreads throughout the breast, but it is not commonly detected by mammograms because the disease often does not produce a well-defined lump.

Male Breast Cancer

A man's breast contains glandular tissue, the cells of which can develop into a malignant tumor. Males are less likely to develop breast cancer than females because breast ducts are less developed, and they have less of the female hormones that impact breast cell growth.

Recurrent Cancer
Cancer recurrence happens when cancer returns after treatment and after a period when no cancer could be detected. The timeframe of recurrence can vary.

Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing
Many people have a family member who has had cancer. While most cancer happens by chance, about 5-10% of cancers are hereditary.

Cancer Screening
Sreening exams can diagnose cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. Texas Oncology recommends regular screening and/or self-exams for breast, prostate, colorectal, skin, testicular, lung, and cervical cancers based on guidelines below.