Should I get screened for breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, excluding skin cancer. Men can also get breast cancer, but it's rare. Breast cancer happens when healthy cells grow out of control and form a breast lump, called a tumor.

Cancerous breast tumors need immediate treatment. Any changes, such as a breast lump or swelling, should be examined by a doctor to find out if it’s cancerous or benign (not cancerous). Fortunately, most breast lumps are benign but a biopsy may be needed to exclude cancer. Some rare benign tumors may increase your risk for breast cancer in the future.

When breast cancer is found early – when it's small and hasn’t spread outside the breast – it can be treated more successfully. Mammograms and other breast screening methods can find cancer before it can be felt as a lump. That’s why following your doctor’s screening recommendations is the best way to find cancer early. Screening can save your life.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The most common breast cancer symptom is a lump or mass in your breast. It can be hard or soft, and occasionally be painful to the touch. Other symptoms include:

• Breast swelling
• Inverted or retracted nipples (nipples that turn inward or lie flat)
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Red, dry, or thickened nipple or breast skin
• Skin dimpling that has the texture of an orange peel
• Swollen lymph nodes under your arm or in your neck

There may be other conditions that cause these symptoms, but it’s essential to see your doctor to make sure it’s not breast cancer.

Sylvester's Breast Cancer Screening Program

At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer the latest breast imaging approaches to find breast cancer at the earliest stages. We’re one of only two National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers in the state of Florida and one of just 71 across the country. That means you work with a highly skilled, experienced team.

These are just a few reasons why patients depend on our expertise:

Comprehensive breast care services. We offer complete care for all your breast health needs – from a full range of advanced imaging tests to preventive care, genetic testing, risk-reducing surgeries, targeted treatments, and more.

Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation by the American College of Radiology. You benefit from the expertise of our board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists who are experienced in a variety of breast cancer detection approaches. We provide services in four convenient locations, the Gail S. Posner Pavilion for Breast Cancer Care at the Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, Lennar Foundation Medical Center, Sylvester Plantation, and Sylvester Deerfield Beach.

Advanced imaging technology. We offer the latest breast cancer detection methods, including breast MRI, 3D mammography with Clarity®, high-resolution ultrasound and contrast enhanced mammography.

Personalized support. We treat the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. We offer a full range of support services, including nutrition and exercise guidance, acupuncture, and psychological counseling.