Phoenix, Scottsdale, & Payson Radiation Therapy Treatment
At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we believe there’s always hope in the fight against cancer – no matter what. Our six state-of-the-art cancer treatment centers treatment centers offer a variety of treatment options for virtually any cancerous condition, and our cancer treatment team works closely with patients to help them develop a treatment plan that works with their lifestyles. That said, we strive to be a comprehensive resource for cancer care, and if you have questions about breast cancer, we can provide answers.
Common Questions About Breast Cancer
How do I know if I have breast cancer?
The only way to conclusively know if you have breast cancer is to get a diagnosis from a trained cancer doctor, but there are still steps you can take on your own. Regularly examine your breasts for any abnormal lumps or masses, and if you ever find one, get it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. They can examine further and recommend the proper diagnostic tests to detect breast cancer.
How often should I get screened for breast cancer?
Most authorities recommend regular preventive breast cancer screenings in some capacity, but exact recommendations differ. You should talk with your doctor about your own individual risk factors to determine a screening regimen that makes sense for you, but here are a few of the main recommendations:
- American Cancer Society: Women over 45 should receive annual screenings
- Mayo Clinic: Women over 40 should receive annual screenings
- US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): Women between ages 50 and 74 should receive a mammogram every 2 years
How serious is breast cancer?
As with any form of cancer, breast cancer is a serious condition – but as cancers go, it’s often one of the most treatable. The overall 5-year survival rate for breast cancer is 89%, but the rate varies greatly by stage. Stage IV breast cancer has a survival rate of only 22%, but for Stage I and earlier, that rate is nearly 100%.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
While no one can predict for sure who will and will not get breast cancer, research has uncovered a number of factors that increase someone’s risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer include:
- Being a woman over 40
- Being obese or overweight
- Using birth control (although the risk decreases after stopping use)
- Living a sedentary lifestyle or not getting exercise
- Having children after age 30 or not having children
What are the treatment options for breast cancer?
There are a wide variety of treatment options for breast cancer, and each patient will need a different treatment plan dependent on their specific case. Only you and your cancer doctor can decide which cancer treatment is best for you, and many patients need to combine multiple treatments to get the best possible outlook. The most common treatments for breast cancer include:
- Surgery (mastectomy or partial mastectomy)
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Cancer Treatment in Phoenix
Fighting cancer is one of life’s most difficult challenges – but we’re here to help you meet it. Contact us today to learn more about the breast cancer treatments we offer and schedule your consultation. We’ll work with you to create a plan that works for your lifestyle, support you during the treatment process, and help you take back your life.
