Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, and early detection can make a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes. At Beebe Healthcare, our multidisciplinary team provides personalized care, advanced diagnostic testing, and support throughout every stage of the breast cancer journey.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Talk with your healthcare provider if you notice:
- A lump in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or thickening
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple inversion
- Persistent breast pain or other unusual changes
Not all changes indicate cancer, but evaluation is important.
Breast Cancer Screening and Detection
Early detection can help identify breast cancer before symptoms develop.
Beebe offers advanced screening and diagnostic services including:
- 3D Mammography
- Diagnostic Mammography
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Personalized Risk Assessment
How Breast Cancer Is Diagnosed
If a screening exam or physical examination reveals an area of concern, additional testing may help determine whether breast cancer is present and guide next steps.
Diagnostic Tests May Include
- Diagnostic Mammography
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Stereotactic Needle Biopsy
- Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
Your care team will review results with you and explain next steps.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
If cancer is diagnosed, specialists evaluate:
- Type of breast cancer
- Tumor characteristics
- Stage of disease
- Overall health considerations
This information helps your care team recommend the most appropriate treatment plan and answer important questions about what to expect moving forward.
Meet Your Breast Cancer Care Team
Breast cancer care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who work together to provide coordinated, personalized care throughout every stage of diagnosis and treatment.
Beebe Provider
Beebe Provider
Beebe Provider
What Happens Next?
Following diagnosis, your care team works together to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and individual needs. Depending on the type and stage of breast cancer, treatment may include surgery, medical oncology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of approaches.
Why Choose Beebe for Breast Cancer Care?
Patients choose Beebe Healthcare for personalized breast cancer care, advanced diagnostic technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and convenient access to services throughout Sussex County. From diagnosis through survivorship, our team is committed to providing compassionate support and coordinated care close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
An abnormal mammogram means that an area of the breast needs further evaluation. Your provider may recommend additional testing, such as a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, or biopsy, to gather more information. In many cases, additional testing helps clarify a finding that is not cancer.
No. An abnormal mammogram does not automatically mean you have breast cancer. Many abnormal findings are caused by noncancerous conditions, such as cysts, dense breast tissue, or benign breast changes. Additional testing is often needed to determine the cause of the finding and whether any further evaluation is necessary.
A breast biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of breast tissue for examination. The tissue is reviewed by specialists to determine whether cancer or another condition is present. Depending on the location and type of abnormality, your provider may recommend a stereotactic needle biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, or another biopsy procedure.
If breast cancer is diagnosed, your care team will determine the stage of the disease based on factors such as the size of the tumor, whether nearby lymph nodes are involved, and whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Staging helps physicians develop a personalized treatment plan and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your specific diagnosis.
Breast cancer care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of specialists focused on supporting you throughout your treatment journey. Your care team may include breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurse practitioners, breast health nurse navigators, radiologists, pathologists, and other support specialists. Together, they collaborate to coordinate your care, answer questions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
