Cancer Care
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A breast cancer diagnosis changes lives in an instant. In the US, the average risk of a woman developing breast cancer sometime in her life is 13%. Even so, we know when any patient receives a diagnosis, it’s earth-shattering 100% of the time. That’s why we’re here to confidently come around you and your family to see you through from diagnosis to the best possible outcome.
Our Approach to Breast Cancer
After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, we know the road ahead is difficult. And we want to support and guide you forward with our compassionate care team. We offer cutting-edge treatments, paired with the educational, emotional, and spiritual support to help you and your family with these next steps.
Breast Cancer Warning Signs
See your healthcare provider if you notice any of these changes in your breasts:
- Change in size or shape
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Lump(s) or hard knots
- Itchy, scaly sores, or a rash on the nipple
- Nipple discharge
- New pain in one spot that does not go away
- Pulling in of your nipple
- Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening
Early Detection
Breast cancer can be caught before symptoms arise.
The best breast-cancer outcomes come with detecting your cancer early and receiving treatment early on in your battle. Breast cancer that is found early is typically smaller and has not spread to other areas of the body.
Regular screenings are the best way to detect breast cancer early.
Kettering Health’s early detection services include mammography, ultrasounds, clinical breast exams, MRI exams, and other services.
Breast examinations
Breast examinations are a great early detection method. You should be regularly checking your breasts yourself to notice any changes. Talk with your doctor immediately if you have any concerns.
Follow these steps for a successful self-examination:
- Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.
- Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast.
- Press using light, medium, and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers.
- Follow an up-and-down pattern.
- Start at the nipple, moving in dime-sized circles, until you reach the outer edge of the breast.
- Feel for changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone, and in your armpit.
- Repeat on your left breast using your right hand.
You should also check in the mirror, looking for any visual changes from normal, holding different poses to see from every possible angle.
These self-examinations should be done as often as once a month. And once a year, visit your healthcare provider for an annual breast exam.
Mammograms
Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage. A mammogram can often find changes in the breast that could become cancer years before physical symptoms develop.
Women have the option of annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Annual mammograms are recommended for women between the ages 45 and 54. Mammograms are recommended every two years for women age 55 and older.
Diagnosis
Breast cancer represents one-third of all cancer diagnoses in women. Kettering Health offers a full range of services, including early detection screenings, diagnostic mammograms, advanced breast imaging, and breast biopsies. We are here to offer you everything we have so you take control of your breast health.
Our supportive team of experts will help you understand the entire process, working with you to determine the best treatment after your diagnosis.
Treatment
We offer treatment and services catered to your needs—with you in mind. Your breast cancer treatment options may include the following:
Support
We’re committed to providing you with confident, careful, and comprehensive At Kettering Health, our experienced team includes surgeons, oncologists, imaging specialists, and other specialty-trained professionals who are here to support you along your journey to overcoming breast cancer.
We have cancer support groups open to patients, families, and friends affected by a cancer diagnosis.
For more information on offerings, call (855) 500-CURE (2873).
