October is breast cancer awareness month. This disease has touched many lives and is the most common cancer in women.
Here at Texas Radiotherapy, we’re fighting against breast cancer. We’re using advanced technology to minimize side effects and improve outcomes by delivering precise radiation doses directly to tumors.
Screening
It’s extremely important to screen for breast cancer because many women experience no symptoms. Screening recommendations vary depending on your age and risk.
If you are average risk:
At 20 years old, begin to perform monthly self-breast exams.
Between 25-40 years old, schedule annual clinical breast exams
After 40 years old, receive an annual mammogram.
In addition to the above, if you are high risk:
Between 25-40 years old, start getting tested ten years before the earliest diagnosis in your family. (Ex. if your mother received a diagnosis at 45, schedule checkups starting at age 35.) Schedule clinical breast exam checkups every six months in addition to yearly mammograms.
While these tests may show you might have breast cancer, you’ll need a biopsy to give you a definite diagnosis.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
- Breast or nipple pain
- Swelling of all or part of breast (even if no lump is felt)
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Skin dimpling (can look like an orange peel)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Includes under the arm or around the collar bone
Treatment Options
Treatment will vary depending on the stage of your cancer. Most women with breast cancer in stages I, II, or III are treated with surgery which is usually followed by radiation therapy and drug therapies.
For stage IV breast cancer, surgery and/or radiation therapy may be useful, but drug therapies are the main treatments. This may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy, or a combination.
Why Texas Radiotherapy?
Texas Radiotherapy has world class treatment capabilities to treat breast cancer. We’re using advanced technology to minimize side effects, protect your quality of life, and improve clinical outcomes.
Our RadixactⓇ System by Accuray provides a precise and non-invasive option. This is the world’s first helical radiotherapy platform and delivers highly accurate radiation doses. The delivery modes, TomoHelical™ and TomoDirect™, allow us to deliver precise radiation to the tumor while minimizing doses to any nearby healthy organs and tissues.
When you choose Texas Radiotherapy, you’re choosing a team of compassionate and skilled experts that are ready to stand by your side.
For a more in-depth look at Texas Radiotherapy treatment options click here.