Breast Cancer Treatment in Tacoma, WA

Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the breast tissue. A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer sometime in her life is approximately 1 in 8. At Northwest Medical Specialties we understand that discovering that you are suffering from cancer can be overwhelming. Our board-certified oncologists at Northwest Medical Specialties are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients suffering from breast cancer. With 6 convenient locations in Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Federal Way, Bonney Lake, and Olympia, you won’t have to travel far to receive the best care. Our oncologists will take the time to answer any questions that you may have and discover the a best treatment option for you. Learn more about your breast cancer treatment options and call us at (253) 428-8700 to schedule your appointment today.

Breast Cancer Causes

The cause of breast cancer is unknown, but research shows that certain risk factors are associated with the disease.

Risk Factors

Note – Research has shown that most women with known risk factors do not get breast cancer and that many women who get breast cancer have none of the risk factors listed below.

Caucasian women, age 50 or older
Personal or family history of breast cancer
Changes in breast tissue
Changes in certain genes
Increased exposure to estrogen over a lifetime through:
- Early-onset of menstruation
- Late-onset of menopause
- No childbearing or late childbearing
- Absence of breastfeeding
- Taking hormone replacement therapy for extended periods of time
- Tobacco use
- Increased breast density
- Radiation therapy before the age of 30
- Overuse of alcohol
- Physical Inactivity
Gender
- 100 times more common in women than in men
- 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women (second to lung cancer)
- The most common form of cancer in women other than skin cancer
Age
- Increases as a women ages
- Approx. 77% of women with breast cancer are over age 50 when they are diagnosed
- 18% are diagnosed in their 40’s

Breast Cancer Prevention and Detection

Because the cause of breast cancer is unknown, finding and treating it early is the best method of prevention.

Breast Self Exam
- Women 20 or older should perform every month
Clinical Breast Exam by a Physician
- Women age 20-39 should have one every 3 years
- Women over 40 should have one annually
Mammography
- Can identify a breast mass as much as 2 years before it can be detected by touch
Ultrasonography
Breast MRI
Breast Biopsy

You can learn more about how you can help prevent breast cancer by reading additional methods from Northwest Medical Specialties, PLLC here.

Survival Rate

Early detection and treatment of breast cancer is the key to survival
When breast cancer is detected before it has spread to lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 97%