Breast Health
Love your breasts, know your body.
Sometimes changes in the breast are not breast cancer at all. Hormonal changes may cause lumps or swelling in the breast tissue. Many lumps result from benign growths or cysts. However, women with these conditions have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Overview
Early-stage breast cancer may not cause pain or discomfort. The best way to detect a potential problem early is to become familiar with your breasts so you can readily identify changes. Routine self-breast exams at home, clinical breast exams in the doctor's office and regular mammograms can help detect changes in breast tissue and identify areas of concern earlier, when treatment is most effective and the chance for a cure is the greatest. A baseline mammogram, beginning at age 40, can help keep track of changes in the breast over time.
The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. Mammograms can help detect 85 to 90% of all breast cancers, even before a lump can be felt.
Symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- Swelling in the armpit – This could be a sign of swollen lymph nodes, an indication that the body is fighting something off and indicate the need for further screening and evaluation
- A change in the size and shape of the breast
- Fluid leaking from only one nipple
- Change in the size of shape of the nipple
- Changes in color, shape or texture of the nipple or areola
- Unusual pain in only one breast or armpit that do not appear to be caused by regular cyclical changes
St. Luke’s earns prestigious recognition from the Commission on Cancer
St. Luke’s University Health Network has earned national Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation as an Integrated Network Cancer Program (INCP) from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (CoC).
St. Luke’s is one of only two health care networks in Pennsylvania to receive this distinction, and one of only 51 health care networks nationwide. Our recent Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons distinction followed a rigorous survey.
About your diagnosis
Not all breast tumors are the same. There are more than 15 types or subtypes. The earliest form of breast cancer is labeled In Situ. In these cases, the abnormal cells or tumor is contained within the duct or lobes and has not spread – or invaded – other tissue. However, women with In Situ breast conditions are considered at higher risk for invasive breast cancer.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
In this condition, the cancer is contained and growing only inside the ducts of the breast. At this stage, the cancer has not spread to other tissue.
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ
Lobules are hollow glands that make milk at appropriate times. Sometimes, these glands develop abnormal cells.
Invasive Breast Cancer
This condition occurs when cancer cells originating in the milk ducts or lobes spread to other healthy surrounding tissue. Sometimes, invasive or infiltrating breast cancer can travel to other parts of the body through the blood stream and lymph system.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
This rare and aggressive form of breast cancer gives the appearance of inflammation. There may also be a sudden increase in breast size, itchy breast skin, pain, swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the collar bone, nipple retraction and a change in skin color. This form of breast cancer usually affects younger women and is more common among young African American women. This breast cancer tends to spread early throughout the body.
Regional breast centers
St. Luke's Regional Breast Centers are specialized facilities offering advanced breast imaging and diagnostic services. They are the first of their kind in the region to focus exclusively on breast health. The centers provide a comfortable and supportive environment for patients, with same-day appointments and biopsies available in many cases.
The centers employ highly skilled professionals, including certified technologists, breast health nurses and radiologists dedicated to breast imaging. Patients receive prompt results and personalized care throughout the diagnostic process.
Recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, the centers offer state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered approach to breast health.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials offer patients access to the very latest in cancer care, while giving physicians and researchers the opportunity to study the effectiveness of new treatments.
The Cancer Network participates in studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute through groups such as the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, the Gynecological Oncology Group and the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group. In addition, St. Luke’s participates in many other national and international cancer studies sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry.
How we care for you
At St. Luke’s, we have developed a personalized team approach to breast cancer care to successfully diagnose and treat the disease and provide essential support every step of the way. From the very start of a breast cancer journey, St. Luke’s multidisciplinary network of exceptional breast cancer specialists, including doctors, nurses, breast health specialists, cancer counselors and support staff, are there every step of the way to offer support, foster hope and provide the best treatment options available. This team works together to help ensure breast cancer patients have the best chance of becoming breast cancer survivors - and thrivers.
Specialization makes a difference
In every field of medicine, specialization makes a difference – cancer surgery is no exception. Studies have shown that finding the best-trained, educated and experienced surgeon to perform breast cancer surgery can significantly improve care and survival. Surgical oncologists have completed specialized fellowships and participate in societies dedicated to cancer and breast surgery.
Breast health specialists
Breast Health Specialists serve as a resource for the patient and their family through the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. This patient advocate provides individualized information and support, coordinates appointments for consultations, physician visits, biopsy procedures and other needs.
St. Luke’s Personalized Breast & Ovarian Health Program is a free assessment to help individuals evaluate the risks of developing breast and ovarian cancer and provide certain options that are available to reduce these risks.
We invite women who are diagnosed with breast cancer or are at any stage of breast cancer to attend the St. Luke’s Breast Cancer Support Group. New members may bring a female family member or friend to the meetings. The support group promotes the physical and emotional well-being of women living with breast cancer by providing support, friendship and understanding of mutual issues and concerns. Members of the group share ways they may have dealt with the side effects of breast cancer treatments or other concerns that arise after breast cancer. The group experience can be therapeutic to women at any stage of breast cancer.
Your health matters: find the right gynecologist.
Navigating your health journey can feel overwhelming, but finding a compassionate gynecologist shouldn’t be. Whether you’re looking for routine check-ups, specialized breast health services, or support through life’s changes, we’re here to help you connect with a dedicated provider who understands your needs.