Breast cancer

Breast cancer risk factors

The following factors may indicate a higher risk for developing breast cancer:

• Age — The chance of developing breast cancer increases as a woman gets older.
• Breast density — Having dense breasts can increase your likelihood of developing breast cancer.
• Genes — Women who have family members with breast or ovarian cancer may be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Personal factors — Factors that place women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer include beginning a menstrual period before 12 years old or going through menopause after 55 years old.

Additional breast cancer risk factors can include:

• Being overweight
• Drinking alcohol
• Having your first child after 35 years old
• Not having children
• Taking birth control pills
• Using hormone replacement therapy, or menopausal hormone therapy

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Dimpling of the breast
• Nipple discharge, other than breast milk
• Pain in the nipple area
• Redness or irritation in the nipple area
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast

Screening for breast cancer

Breast cancer screening is one of the most proactive steps you can take in the early detection of breast cancer. Our hospitals offer a variety of screenings to promote breast health, including:

• Breast ultrasounds
• Breast ultrasound biopsies
• Genetic counseling for high-risk individuals
• Mammograms

Mammography

Mammogram screenings use low-dose X-ray imaging technology to examine breast tissue. We work to diagnose breast cancer and breast tissue anomalies, such as tumors and other breast diseases.

During a mammogram, an imaging technician will position your breasts on the imaging equipment. To ensure a high-quality picture, the breast must be somewhat compressed. The mammogram compresses the breast for a few seconds while an image is taken. The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes, but the actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds. You may feel some discomfort when your breasts are compressed.

3D mammography

Overlapping layers of tissue can sometimes create unclear results, resulting in false positives or false negatives of breast cancer. 3D mammograms provide a series of detailed images of the breast, which allow your technician and doctor to better evaluate breast tissue layer by layer. This procedure makes fine details more visible and no longer hidden by overlapping tissue. It may also help detect breast cancer up to 15 months earlier than conventional methods.

Solis Mammography

Solis Mammography serves as our onsite provider of comprehensive breast imaging services at multiple MountainStar Healthcare hospitals, including St. Mark’s Hospital, Ogden Regional Medical Center, Timpanogos Regional Hospital and Lakeview Hospital. Solis specializes in breast screening, greater accuracy through 3D mammography and a warm and welcoming environment designed to deliver a positive experience to the people we serve.

To schedule a mammogram through Solis Mammography at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, call (866) 717-2551 or schedule online.

Treatment for breast cancer

After a diagnosis is provided, our doctors discuss personalized care options for you. The most common treatments for breast cancer include chemotherapy services, radiation therapy and surgical care.

About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (844) 842-4812.