Breast cancer begins when abnormal cells in the breast grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Because every patient’s situation is unique, our team at Illinois CancerCare focuses on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans designed to give you the best possible outcome. Breast cancer can occur in women and men, though it is much more common in women.
Understanding the Breast
The breast contains lobules (glands that make milk), ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple), and stroma (fatty and connective tissue). Most breast cancers start in the ducts or lobules. Nearby lymph vessels and lymph nodes—especially under the arm (axilla)—are important pathways cancer cells can use to spread.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are many kinds of primary brain tumors. In adults, common types include:
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Noninvasive cancer limited to the milk ducts.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
Not a true cancer, but a marker of increased risk in both breasts.
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
The most common invasive type; starts in ducts and grows into nearby tissue.
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
Begins in lobules and grows into nearby tissue; can be harder to detect on imaging.
Triplenegative breast cancer (TNBC)
Lacks ER, PR, and HER2; may grow and spread faster, treated primarily with chemotherapy ± immunotherapy.
HER2positive breast cancer
Overexpresses the HER2 protein; often responds well to HER2targeted therapies.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
Rare, aggressive form that can cause breast redness and swelling.
Paget disease of the breast
Rare cancer affecting the nipple/areola skin.
Your pathology report will include receptor status (ER/PR/HER2) and other biomarkers that help guide treatment.
Signs & Symptoms
Many breast changes are not cancer, but any persistent change should be evaluated.
Risk Factors
Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will develop breast cancer; many with breast cancer have no obvious risks.
Screening
Screening aims to find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
Talk with your clinician about your personal risk and screening plan.
Diagnosis
If a screening test or symptom suggests cancer, your team may use:
Staging
Breast cancer staging uses TNM (Tumor size, Node involvement, Metastasis) plus tumor grade and biologic factors (ER/PR/HER2). Broadly:
Stage 0
DCIS (noninvasive)
Stages I–III
Increasing tumor size and/or lymph node involvement, but no distant spread
Stage IV (metastatic)
Cancer has spread to distant organs (e.g., bone, liver, lungs)
Your doctor will explain your stage and what it means for treatment and prognosis.
Treatment Options
Treatment is personalized based on stage, tumor biology, genomic features, overall health, and your goals. Care is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team.
Surgery
for some slowgrowing, asymptomatic tumors.
Radiation therapy
Systemic therapy (before or after surgery, or for metastatic disease)
Your Illinois CancerCare team will discuss benefits and potential side effects and whether a clinical trial is right for you.
Prognosis
Many breast cancers are highly treatable—especially when found early. Outcomes depend on stage, tumor biology, response to therapy, and overall health. Contemporary U.S. data show a 5-year relative survival ~92% for female breast cancer overall, but your doctor will explain what your individual features mean.
Follow Up Care
Follow-up typically includes regular clinical visits, annual mammography (or MRI when appropriate), and monitoring for treatment effects (e.g., bone health on aromatase inhibitors, heart monitoring with certain HER2 therapies). Your schedule and tests are personalized to your diagnosis and treatment.
Living With & Beyond Breast Cancer
Illinois CancerCare offers comprehensive support, including counseling, nutrition guidance, rehabilitation, survivorship programs, genetic counseling, fertility preservation referrals, lymphedema resources, caregiver support, and access to clinical trials—all designed to help you and your loved ones navigate treatment and recovery. National organizations (e.g., ACS) also provide education and practical tools for patients and caregivers.
Breast Cancer in Men
Men can develop breast cancer, most often presenting as a painless lump, nipple changes, or discharge. Evaluation and treatment principles are similar; hormonereceptorpositive disease is common in men. If you notice changes in the chest/breast area, please speak with your doctor.
Why Choose Illinois CancerCare
Sources & Patient Friendly References
All information was taken from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) and ACS (American Cancer Society).