Breast cancer is the most common cancer that women may face in their lifetime (except for skin cancer). In 2012, there were 226,870 (female) and 2,190 (male) new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the United States. In Nebraska, the incidence rate of breast cancer is 125 per 100,000 women and an average annual count of 1,241 from the years 2005 to 2009 
(https://gis.cancer.gov/mapstory/breast/).

Breast cancer occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare. It can occur at any age, but it is much more likely after age 40 and the risk goes up as you get older. Because of certain factors, some women may have a greater chance of having breast cancer than others.

A breast is made up of three main parts: glands, ducts, and connective tissue. The glands produce milk. The ducts are passages that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) connects and holds everything together.

There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, like the ducts or the lobes.

The most common kinds of breast cancer are:

• Ductal carcinoma. The most common kind of breast cancer. It begins in the cells that line the milk ducts in the breast, also called the lining of the breast ducts.
• Lobular carcinoma. In this kind of breast cancer, the cancer cells begin in the lobes, or lobules, of the breast. Lobules are the glands that make milk.

We have the experience. At Regional West Medical Center, our oncology team assures best practices and state-of-the-art diagnostic and comprehensive treatment services. In 2012, over 6,600 women received mammograms at Regional West. At least 50 percent of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (stage 0,I, II) have been treated with breast-conserving surgery. In the last four years alone, over 300 women have received surgery at Regional West Medical Center as part of their treatment for breast cancer. In addition, patients who required radiation therapy and chemotherapy as part of their treatment were able to receive their therapy here at Regional West.

The Breast Cancer Patient Care Team: A Collaborative, Team Approach
At Regional West Medical Center, your breast cancer treatment is managed by a multi-specialty team that provides compassionate, comprehensive care, and is focused on helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes. In addition to the specialists listed below, our team includes radiology technologist, anesthesiologists, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other professionals with extensive experience in cancer care.

Online Breast Cancer Resources:

• National Breast Cancer Foundation www.nationalbreastcancer.org/what-is-breast-cancer
• Centers for Disease Control: Breast Cancer http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/index.htm
• Susan G. Komen For the Cure  www.komen.org