Breast Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health Community Health & Wellness Cancer Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Breast cancer begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue. Since everyone is born with some breast tissue, both women and men are susceptible to breast cancer. You can still get it even if there is no history in your family. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Louisiana. Louisiana ranks fourth in the nation for female breast cancer death rate. It is recommended that all women at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. Establish care with a primary care provider and/or a gynecologist to become aware of necessary screenings. Talking to a doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of breast cancer is key. Early screening and testing are associated with improved survival outcomes. Types Angiosarcoma Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) Inflammatory breast cancer Invasive lobular carcinoma Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) Male breast cancer Paget's disease of the breast Recurrent breast cancer Signs & Symptoms A breast lump or thickened area of skin that feels different from the surrounding tissue. A nipple that looks flattened or turns inward. Changes in the color of the breast skin. In people with white skin, the breast skin may look pink or red. In people with brown and Black skin, the breast skin may look darker than the other skin on the chest, or it may look red or purple. Change in the size, shape, or appearance of a breast. Changes to the skin over the breast, such as skin that looks dimpled or looks like an orange peel. Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the skin on the breast. Risk Factors & Behaviors Sex (female) A family history of breast cancer A personal history of breast cancer A personal history of breast conditions, including lobular carcinoma in situ, also called LCIS, and atypical hyperplasia of the breast Beginning your period before age 12 Beginning menopause after age 55 Dense breast tissue Drinking alcohol Having your first child after age 30 Having never been pregnant Increasing age Inherited DNA changes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes Menopausal hormone therapy Obesity Radiation exposure There's no definitive way to prevent breast cancer — but, as with most cancers, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk. Execute breast self-exams to look and feel for changes. Testing Breast exam Mammogram Biopsy MRI Blood test Bone scan CT scan PET scan Treatment Options Lumpectomy Mastectomy Sentinel node biopsy Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Hormone therapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy Local Resources Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program (LBCHP) ldh.la.gov/page/breast-cervical-health-program lbchp.org Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center — Prevention on the Go Program Woman’s Hospital Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs Louisiana Cancer Research Center National Resources National Breast Cancer Foundation Breast Cancer Research Foundation Susan G. Komen National Cancer Institute American Cancer Society Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Surgeon General Evelyn Griffin, MD Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein Cicero Government