Building Awareness to Stop the Spread of Breast Cancer

An estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women, along with 51,400 new cases of noninvasive breast cancer each year. About one in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. These are staggering numbers — and behind every number is a person who matters.

We’re here with one of our board-certified breast surgeons, Kyle Bowers, MD, to spread awareness of breast cancer so you’re well-equipped with information that could help you catch it early and stop it from spreading. And while we hope you never face a diagnosis, if you do, you’ll have an expert team at your side to support your whole health with compassion and precision.

Preventive Breast Care

Did you know that breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer in diagnoses, accounting for 12% of all new annual cancer cases globally? It’s also the most common cancer among women in the U.S., and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths.

Many women experience no symptoms of breast cancer. That’s why annual mammograms are still the top recommended screening for women, allowing the earliest possible detection of breast cancer — even before you experience symptoms, if at all.

“Decades of research show that breast cancer is more likely to be detected early in women who have regular mammograms,” Dr. Bowers explains.

If you’re between the ages of 20 and 40 and are not at a high risk for breast cancer, you should have a clinical breast exam by your doctor every three years at a minimum. If you’re 40 or older, an annual screening mammogram is recommended.

What Happens Next if You’re Diagnosed With Breast Cancer?

“A breast cancer treatment program should offer one-on-one support from an expert team with options that speak to your specific condition,” says Dr. Bowers. “Know that if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, we’re by your side at every step. We offer advanced treatments and personalized care, tailored to you. Breast cancer stages and types help us determine the most effective course of action.”

If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, the first step is finding treatment that’s right for you. Treatment options and follow-up care that may be recommended based on your circumstances include:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells by interrupting the cell division process. Chemo can stop cancer from spreading, ease symptoms by shrinking tumors and possibly cure cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy targets specific areas of the body, shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells by damaging their DNA.

Surgery

Our fellowship-trained surgeons emphasize treating tumors with techniques that optimize each patient’s recovery. Types of breast cancer surgery include lumpectomy, mastectomy or post-treatment resection.

Targeted Therapy

We offer several types of targeted therapies, including hormone therapy and immunotherapy, which more precisely identify and target cancer cells.

Awareness Is Power in Preventing and Overcoming Breast Cancer

“While preventing breast cancer is ideal, overcoming breast cancer is our goal for every patient. And we will work tirelessly to achieve it,” Dr. Bowers says.

If you're experiencing breast cancer symptoms or have a diagnosis, rest assured, we're with you every step of the way. Schedule a mammogram today at one of our convenient imaging locations. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowers in Tampa or Wesley Chapel, click here or call 813-978-8315.