Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, with approximately 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year. While the majority of cases occur in women, men can also develop breast cancer. When detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable, and survival rates have improved dramatically due to advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a tumor. The most common types are invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which originates in the milk ducts and invades surrounding tissue, and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), which begins in the milk-producing glands. Other types include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS — a non-invasive early-stage cancer), HER2-positive breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and inflammatory breast cancer. Risk factors include increasing age, a family history of breast cancer, inherited gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), dense breast tissue, personal history of breast conditions, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol consumption, and radiation exposure. Women at high risk may be recommended for earlier or more frequent screening, genetic testing, and preventive medications. Screening through mammography remains the cornerstone of early detection. Current guidelines generally recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40–45 for average-risk women, though recommendations vary by organization. Women at elevated risk may also benefit from breast MRI. Any new lump, nipple discharge, skin changes, or unexplained breast pain should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider. Treatment is highly individualized and depends on the cancer's type, stage, hormone receptor status, and HER2 status. Options include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy (such as trastuzumab for HER2-positive disease), and immunotherapy. Our multidisciplinary breast oncology team at Silvaris coordinates all aspects of care to deliver personalized, evidence-based treatment with comprehensive support services.
