Breast Cancer Screening in Metairie, LA

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a tumor that forms in the cells of the breast and has the potential to spread. It can occur in both women and men, but it is far more common in women.

What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Lumps discovered on routine self-breast exams may be benign or malignant. Most are the former, meaning they do not spread outside of the breast. However, it is important to monitor any breast lump and see board-certified OBGYN, Dr. Katherine Swing to help monitor your risk, so that breast cancer can be detected early. Call our OBGYN clinic in Metairie, LA today at (504) 582-9010.

Common symptoms of breast cancer include:

• a lump in the breast
• bloody discharge from the nipple
• changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast

We recommend regular screenings and check-ups, as the early stages of breast cancer may not have obvious symptoms.

How Common is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting women worldwide. However, awareness, early detection, and advancements in treatment have transformed breast cancer into a disease that can be effectively managed or even prevented.

According to BreastCancer.org, breast cancer accounts for about 30 percent of all new cancer cases in women each year in the United States.

Keep in mind:

• Breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women
• The median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62
• A very small number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45
• A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer
• If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is very important to get regular screenings

How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Dr. Swing will order annual mammograms for most patients starting at the age of 40. In high risk patients, screening will often be initiated earlier.

If there is something suspicious on the baseline screening mammogram, additional testing will be done or you will be referred to a breast specialist with expertise in diagnosing breast problems.

Additional testing Dr. Swing may recommend includes:

• Breast ultrasound – to see inside the breast using sound waves and pictures
• Diagnostic mammogram – a more detailed x-ray of the breast
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a detailed scan that takes pictures of areas inside the breast using a magnet linked to a computer
• Biopsy – removing tissue or fluid from the breast to be looked at under a microscope

What are Common Types of Breast Cancer?

The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.

A breast is made up of three main parts:

1. Lobules – The glands that produce milk. Cancer beginning here is called invasive lobular carcinoma
2. Ducts -The tubes that carry milk to the nipple. Cancer beginning here is called invasive ductal carcinoma.  There is also a type of cancer that is confined to the lining of the ducts (non-invasive) and has not spread to other areas in the breast. This is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
3. Connective tissue – Has fibers and fat that hold everything together.

Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules and can be invasive or non-invasive.

What are the Treatment Options for Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer can spread to other areas of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.  When it spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasized.

Treatment depends on the stage of cancer and your specific situation. We will work with you and your cancer doctors to provide optimal gynecologic care during and after your treatment for breast cancer. We know it can be a scary time, but you are not alone. Millions of women have successfully been treated for breast cancer.

Treatment for breast cancer may include:

• Chemotherapy – medicine to shrink or kill the cells
• Hormonal therapy – therapy that blocks hormone receptors on cancer cells to prevent growth of the tumor
• Radiation – high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
• Surgery – an operation to remove the cancer

Your oncologist and/or breast surgeon will recommend the best treatment for you. Dr. Swing can work with your team to help manage the side effects related to hormonal shifts during and after treatment.

Breast Cancer Prevention

The best way to fight breast cancer is to prevent it.

There are several tips for preventing breast cancer, including:

• Early Detection – Breast cancer is highly treatable when detected at an early stage.
• Regular Screenings – Breast cancer awareness encourages regular screenings and self-examinations, increasing the chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment.
• Prevention – Learn about risk factors and lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
• Self-Examination – Monthly breast self-exams help individuals become familiar with their breasts and detect any changes or abnormalities.
• Mammography – Regular mammograms are essential for early detection, typically recommended annually for women over 40 or as advised by a healthcare provider.
• Risk Factors – Understanding risk factors, such as age, family history, and genetic mutations, can inform screening and prevention strategies.
• Lifestyle Choices – A healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking, can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Schedule a Breast Cancer Screening Appointment in Metairie, LA

Don’t wait! Schedule a breast cancer screening appointment with our board-certified OBGYN, Dr. Katherine Swing. Call our OBGYN clinic in Metairie, LA today at (504) 582-9010.