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Cancers We Treat

Cancers We Treat

Breast Cancer

Learn about what Baptist Cancer Center offers you in terms of leading-edge breast cancer treatments.

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Cancers We Treat

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Breast Cancer Explained

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. Any type of tumor that forms in the breast is considered breast cancer. Although tumors may begin to form in the breast, they also have the potential to grow into surrounding tissue or metastasize to other areas of the body.

Breast Cancer Treatment Options

At Baptist Cancer Center, patients receive advanced, leading-edge care. Breast cancer treatment teams may include, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other medical professionals such as nurse practitioners, nurses, psychologists and rehab specialists. We take into consideration your goals and will work closely with you and your family to help ensure you receive the information, support and care that you need close to home.

The Different Types of Breast Cancer

There are many types of breast cancer, which are determined by specific affected cells in the breast. The most common types of breast cancer are:



Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

Approximately 20 percent of breast cancer cases are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). DCIS is considered non-invasive. It occurs when cancer cells are only found in the lining of the milk ducts. This means that the cancer has not spread to other areas of the breast.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. In invasive ductal carcinoma, the cancer cells that started to grow in the lining of the milk ducts have spread to other areas of the breast. Invasive ductal carcinoma may metastasize to other parts of the body.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Lobular breast cancer forms in the lobes, or the glands that make milk, of the breast. In invasive lobular carcinoma, cancer cells have spread from the lobes into other breast tissue. Approximately 10 percent of breast cancer cases are invasive lobular carcinoma.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of breast cancer that has spread to the skin of the breast. In inflammatory breast cancer, the skin will appear red, swollen or dimpled, and may feel warm to touch.
Other Types of Breast Cancer
Other subtypes of carcinoma can include tubular, mucinous and medullary. Male breast cancer is also rare.

Learn the Symptoms, Stages and Causes

Recognizing the signs of breast cancer allows for timely intervention, potentially increasing the chances of successful treatment and improving your quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors Stages Symptoms

What are breast cancer causes and risk factors?

Breast cancer is caused by a gene mutation which may be inherited or acquired. The cause of the mutation is unknown. The risk of developing breast cancer may be affected by some genetic and environmental factors, including:

  • Age
  • Age at start of menstruation
  • Age at start of menopause
  • Age at birth of first child
  • Not giving birth or breastfeeding
  • Family history
  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes
  • Use of hormone-replacement therapy
  • Radiation exposure
  • Density of breast tissue
  • Being overweight
  • Lack of exercise
  • Alcohol consumption

Breast cancer stages help patients and doctors determine prognosis, breast cancer treatment options and clinical trial participation. Breast cancer is classified by the stage, or progression, that it's in when discovered. The stages range from stage 0, meaning the cancer is non-invasive, to stage IV, which means the cancer has metastasized, or moved to different parts of the body.


Symptoms of breast cancer can vary depending on the type of breast cancer and the patient. Some cases of breast cancer show no signs or symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer Include:

  • A lump in the breast or armpit
  • Pain or tenderness of the breast
  • Swelling or thickening of the breast
  • Change in shape or size of the breast
  • Skin irritation on the breast
  • Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

If symptoms indicate breast cancer as a possible diagnosis, a doctor will perform a series of diagnostic tests, which may include a physical exam, imaging tests and/or biopsies.


Three doctors in a professional conversation.

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Connect With a Patient Navigator

As a patient at Baptist Cancer Center, you will have access to a dedicated patient navigator who will act as your advocate and liaison between you and your health care teams. Our patient navigators are available at every step to schedule appointments, answer questions, explain the treatment process, and provide resources, education and support when you and your family need it.