At the Charach Cancer Treatment Center, we want to be your home for comprehensive and compassionate breast healthcare. We have the resources to help you and your loved ones if you are interested in early detection and
risk reduction through mammography, concerned about your risk of developing breast cancer or have received a cancer diagnosis.
You have a choice when
it comes to where you receive breast care. We understand your challenges and are devoted to the fight against cancer. We focus on providing personalized healthcare needs for you, your family and our community. Here are a few reasons why DMC is an
excellent first choice in breast care:
- DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is an ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
- Breast imaging services available in Detroit and Commerce
- Radiation, infusion and surgical services are available in Commerce Township
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
The following may increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer:
- Aging, as breast cancer development risk increases with age. Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed after 50 years of age.
- Genetic mutations such as the inherited mutated genes BRCA 1 and BRCA2.
- Reproductive history of starting menstruation before 12 years of age and having menopause after 55 exposes women to hormones for much longer, increasing their risk of breast cancer.
- Having dense breasts can sometimes make it hard for doctors to see tumors on a mammogram.
- The presence of non-cancerous breast diseases such as lobular carcinoma or atypical hyperplasia.
- Personal history of breast cancer can put a person at risk of developing breast cancer a second time
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- Previous radiation therapy treatment
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms or signs in its early stages. Some breast lumps or other changes can be felt, but malignant tumors can only be detected using mammograms, MRI, ultrasound or other imaging procedures. Here are some warning signs
of breast cancer:
- New lump in the underarm or breast
- Swelling or thickening of part of the breast
- Dimpling or irritation of breast skin
- Flaky skin or redness in the breast or nipple area
- Pain in the nipple area
- Nipple pulling in
- Nipple discharge other than breastmilk
- Breast pain
Any of these symptoms may also appear with other conditions, so make sure to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Our Treatment Options
Noticing a lump or change in the breast can be alarming, as many women immediately fear the worst—breast cancer. However, not all lumps are cancerous. Many are caused by benign breast conditions, such as fibrocystic breast changes, which can lead to breast pain, cysts and noncancerous tissue thickening.
Our comprehensive breast cancer treatment program includes:
- Complete range of specialized breast health services, including some of the latest diagnostic imaging technology and oncology
- A team of oncology-certified surgeons, oncologists and other specialists who have a specific background in breast cancer management
- Patient and family resources to help guide patients through the entire treatment process, from diagnosis and pre-operative education to recovery and resource assistance
The most effective way to determine the nature of a breast lump is to consult a doctor and undergo a mammogram. Early detection plays a crucial role in successful breast cancer treatment. That is why it is vital to perform regular breast self-exams and schedule annual breast cancer screenings, particularly after the age of 40.
Breath-Hold Technique in Breast Cancer Treatment
What Is the Breath-Hold Technique?
For patients undergoing radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer, minimizing radiation exposure to the heart is crucial. One effective method is the voluntary breath-hold technique. Through the breath-hold technique, the distance between the heart and chest wall increases, reducing cardiac radiation exposure.
How Does the Breath-Hold Technique Protect the Heart During Radiation Therapy?
When patients hold their breath, the heart is pushed downward and away from the radiation field, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This technique can significantly lower radiation doses to the heart by over 50% in some cases while maintaining effective treatment coverage.
At the Charach Cancer Treatment Center at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, we are dedicated to offering some of the latest technology in breast cancer treatment to help ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Our team provides detailed protocols for implementing this technique, including patient selection criteria, training procedures and equipment setup. With proper training and implementation, the voluntary breath-hold technique is a valuable approach to protect the heart during left breast radiotherapy.
