Breast cancer is often a lifelong concern for many women and men, affecting millions of Americans every year. Through Breast Cancer Care at Penn Medicine, our nationally recognized breast cancer doctors, surgeons, and nurses address every aspect of breast cancer care with compassion and expertise. As a leader in breast cancer advancements, we combine leading-edge breast cancer treatment with personalized care. Our specialized team works to ensure you have an accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and the supportive services you need.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which the breast cells of the lobules, ducts, or surrounding connective tissue begin to grow abnormally. Rapid division of these breast cells causes the formation of a breast lump or mass that grows and, in certain cases, metastasizes (spreads) to blood vessels, lymph nodes, or other areas of the body. Although breast cancer is more common in people who were assigned female at birth, it may develop in people who were assigned male at birth as well.

Recognizing the symptoms of breast cancer can be challenging. The signs may look different for each person and may depend on your breast cancer stage—a numerical scale from 0 to IV to represent how far your breast cancer has progressed in tumor size, spread, and location. Small, early-stage breast cancer rarely has symptoms. In those cases, screening is vital to early detection.

Breast cancer symptoms to look for include:

• Hard, often painless, lump or mass of the breast or underarm
• Swelling in all or part of your breast
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Red, flaky, or thickened skin on your breast or nipple
• Breast pain or heaviness
• Nipple changes that may include pain or nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• Any change in the size or shape of your breast

Check breast cancer symptoms, changes, or concerns right away. At Penn Medicine, we rely on advanced screening and thorough evaluation to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. Knowing what to look for between breast cancer screenings can play an important role in diagnosing breast cancer.

In some cases, breast pain or lumps may be caused by a benign (non-cancerous) issue. You may notice signs of breast cancer, but your imaging does not show a tumor. Our specialized nurse practitioners work to determine the cause of your symptoms. If needed, we can connect you with a physician or surgeon for further assessment.

Other supplemental services that you will have access to through our Breast Cancer Program along with your treatment may include:

• Breast cancer support services, such as support groups and workshops, counseling, nutrition classes, exercise classes and physical therapy for breast cancer patients, yoga and more
• Cancer Center Boutique for personalized wig and specialty bra fitting
• Fertility preservation services to make it possible to have biological children in the future
• Genomic testing, which helps inform personalized treatment plans for each person's cancer

As an active member of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), our Breast Cancer Program delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care based on innovative research. When you trust us with your breast cancer care, you can expect:

• Complete multidisciplinary care: We deliver high-level care for every stage of breast cancer. We offer advanced screening, accurate diagnosis, novel treatments, and compassionate support services. You have everything you need in one place.
• Breast cancer experts: Our fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons specialize in breast cancer. Their in-depth knowledge means you get a precise diagnosis and the newest care protocols.
• Dedicated genetic counseling: Our two nationally recognized programs, Basser Center for BRCA and MacDonald Cancer Risk Evaluation Center, provide evaluation, counseling, and research studies specific to breast cancer risk factors and cancer genetics.
• Access to innovative research and clinical trials: We are leaders in breast cancer research, addressing the most pressing needs in breast cancer care. Our 2-PREVENT Breast Cancer Translational Center of Excellence is a national leader in research dedicated to breast cancer recurrence. Through this program, patients will also have access to industry-leading breast cancer clinical trials.
• Leaders in breast cancer care: Members of our breast cancer program sit on committees within the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the Society of Clinical Oncology and others. We help to create guidelines for all breast cancer care nationwide.
• Wide-ranging support: To ensure you have everything you need, our breast cancer support services include access to a social worker, nutritionist, and counselor. We offer integrative oncology programs to ease the side effects of breast cancer treatment.
• Expert guidance: Our nurse navigators are experienced in oncology and will work closely with you and your care team to help coordinate appointments, offer guidance and support, answer questions, and facilitate communication with your providers.
• Care close to home: We offer expert evaluation and treatment at all Penn Medicine breast cancer care locations. Our breast cancer specialists and staff collaborate seamlessly across the network to ensure you receive the best care possible, no matter where you live.

Breast cancer treatment locations at Penn Medicine

At Penn Medicine, you have access to a network of breast cancer specialists who work together to give you world-class care close to home. We do everything possible to streamline your experience and provide the services you need at a Penn location that works for you.