Karmanos Thinks Pink, Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, cancer centers, and other organizations nationwide recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer affects more women each year than any other cancer, making up about 30% of cancer diagnoses among females each year.

Breast Cancer Facts and Figures

• There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. The relative five-year survival rate is 91%.
• Women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their lives, meaning there is a 7 in 8 chance of not developing the disease.
• In 2025, there will be around 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 59,080 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, following lung cancer.
• Breast cancer does occur in men. Around 2,800 new cases of male breast cancer are estimated in the U.S. in 2025.
• Approximately 5%-10% of breast cancers can be linked to inherited gene mutations.

All data reported by the American Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer Screening

Since cancer is most treatable in the early stages, early detection is key in the fight against cancer. Often, breast cancer does not exhibit symptoms early on, making screening an important tool.

Breast cancer screening is done through mammography, a special type of X-ray tuned to detect breast abnormalities. A screening mammogram takes about 15 minutes. Women who are 40 years of age or older should be screened for breast cancer annually. However, screening needs vary by individual, and some women may need to begin screening sooner and complete testing more frequently.

All patients receiving a mammogram at Karmanos locations in Detroit, Dearborn and Farmington Hills will take a high-risk breast assessment prior to their screening appointment. Karmanos uses this information to understand the patient's risk for developing breast cancer, allowing specialists to triage those at a high risk of developing the disease for follow-up care. The follow-up care may include genetic testing and additional medical imaging, such as more frequent mammography screenings, ultrasound or breast MRI. The family health history provided by the patient in the assessment will additionally allow specialists to identify the patient's risk for lung, ovarian and colorectal cancer.

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

In the early stages of breast cancer, patients may not experience symptoms. When a symptom does occur, it is most commonly a lump or mass in the breast. However, not all lumps indicate cancer. Other symptoms include:

• Changes in the appearance of the skin on the breast
• Nipple retraction or discharge
• Pain
• Swelling
• Swollen lymph nodes.

Certain lifestyle factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including alcohol consumption, being overweight, physical inactivity, not having children or breastfeeding, and taking certain forms of birth control and hormone therapy after going through menopause. Several risk factors for breast cancer cannot be controlled. These risk factors include genetics, family history, race and ethnicity, age, height, and breast tissue density.

Breast Cancer Treatment at Karmanos Cancer Institute

The Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at Karmanos includes surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; radiologists; pathologists; plastic surgeons; pharmacists; specialized nurse practitioners; dietitians; social workers; and genetic counselors.

"We have developed a very dynamic, research-driven and experienced team at Karmanos, and we work closely together to customize treatment plans that fit each patient's wants and needs when it comes to their breast cancer care," said Hadeel Assad, M.D., medical oncologist and co-leader of the Breast Cancer MDT at Karmanos. "From screening to biopsies and testing to treatment and follow-up care, we have specialists who work with our patients every step of the way."

The team also offers a Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team clinic at the Karmanos Cancer Institute - Lawrence and Weisberg Cancer Center in Farmington Hills. Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients can individually meet with their entire care team on the same day during their first appointment. This includes meeting with their surgeon, medical and radiation oncologist, as well as their genetics counselor and social worker. Patients can rest assured that these physicians have already reviewed the case collaboratively before the patient comes for their first appointment, so they can talk with each physician in further detail about each portion of their treatment plan before they begin.

The Karmanos team employs the latest technology and treatments, including immunotherapy, minimally invasive surgery, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy to minimize radiation exposure to nearby healthy organs, including the lungs and heart. Clinical trials are also available to breast cancer patients.

For more information about breast health and to make a mammogram appointment, visit karmanos.org/breasthealth or call 1-800-KARMANOS.