Breast Cancer

At the Charach Cancer Treatment Center, we want to be your home for comprehensive and compassionate breast healthcare. We have the resources to help you and your loved ones if you are interested in early detection and risk reduction through mammography, concerned about your risk of developing breast cancer or have received a cancer diagnosis.

You have a choice when it comes to where you receive breast care. We understand your challenges and are devoted to the fight against cancer. We focus on providing personalized healthcare needs for you, your family and our community. Here are a few reasons why DMC is an excellent first choice in breast care:

• DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is an ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
• Breast imaging services available in Detroit and Commerce
  
• Radiation, infusion and surgical services are available in Commerce Township

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

The following may increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer:

• Aging, as breast cancer development risk increases with age. Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed after 50 years of age.
• Genetic mutations such as the inherited mutated genes BRCA 1 and BRCA2.
• Reproductive history of starting menstruation before 12 years of age and having menopause after 55 exposes women to hormones for much longer, increasing their risk of breast cancer.
• Having dense breasts can sometimes make it hard for doctors to see tumors on a mammogram.
• The presence of non-cancerous breast diseases such as lobular carcinoma or atypical hyperplasia.
• Personal history of breast cancer can put a person at risk of developing breast cancer a second time
• Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
• Previous radiation therapy treatment

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms or signs in its early stages. Some breast lumps or other changes can be felt, but malignant tumors can only be detected using mammograms, MRI, ultrasound or other imaging procedures. Here are some warning signs of breast cancer:

• New lump in the underarm or breast
• Swelling or thickening of part of the breast
• Dimpling or irritation of breast skin
• Flaky skin or redness in the breast or nipple area
• Pain in the nipple area
• Nipple pulling in 
• Nipple discharge other than breastmilk
• Breast pain

Any of these symptoms may also appear with other conditions, so make sure to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.