About Holy Name Medical Center
Community Resources for Patients 
Community Outreach and Education - 2016
Breast Cancer
Definition
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. About one in eight women, more than 3.1 million Americans, will develop the disease, though the incidence rate is declining slightly, mainly due to a decrease in hormone therapy. At the same time, survival rates have increased because of raised awareness of early detection and a personalized approach to treatment.
The Patricia Lynch Cancer Center at Holy Name has a multi-disciplinary team of experienced and skilled breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nurses and support staff. Together, they provide compassionate care in creating a personal strategy for each patient's unique medical, emotional and lifestyle needs.
Symptoms
- Changes in the appearance of the nipple or breast
- Dimpling around the nipple or on the breast skin
- Lump in the breast or underarm
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple turning inward
- Rash or redness of the breast
- Swelling or skin thickening of the breast
Causes
The cause of breast cancer is unknown. Most often, it begins with the cells in the milk-producing ducts, called invasive ductal carcinoma. It also frequently occurs in the tissue making up different glands, or lobules, and is known as invasive lobular carcinoma. But breast cancer can start in other breast cells and tissues.
Certain hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors may increase the risk of breast cancer, but researchers still do not know why these conditions may lead to the disease in some people and not others. Most likely, it is caused by an unknown interaction of genetic makeup and environmental factors.