Beat the Odds: Early Detection and Advances in Cancer Treatment

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight the importance of early detection and advancements in treatment for one of the most common cancers affecting women. One key factor determining a woman’s outcome after a breast cancer diagnosis is the stage at which it is detected, according to Meaghan Marley, Breast Surgical Oncologist at UPMC Magee-Womens Surgical Associates.

“The earlier we can find breast cancer, the better the woman will do,” she said. “The best way to catch breast cancer early is to find it before it starts to cause symptoms.”

Thanks to improvements in technology, screening mammograms are now so sensitive that they can detect cancers smaller than a pencil eraser, Marley said. These screenings can be life-saving and both the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the American College of Radiology recommend yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40.

“If you are having symptoms like a lump, nipple discharge or retraction, or changes in the skin, it’s important not to delay bringing those concerns to your primary care provider or gynecologist,” she said. Early testing can lead to earlier intervention, which significantly improves outcomes.

Family history also plays a significant role in breast cancer risk. Marley said the importance of discussing family history with a doctor, especially for women who may be at above-average risk. In such cases, additional imaging or earlier screening may be necessary.

“For women at higher risk, we may recommend adding extra screening or starting screenings earlier than age 40,” she said. “It’s essential to discuss your family history to see if you qualify for more personalized screening options.”

Lifestyle choices, particularly in regard to alcohol consumption, are also linked to breast cancer risk.

“The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk for breast cancer,” Marley said. “The American Cancer Society recommends avoiding alcohol entirely, but if you do drink, limit it to one alcoholic beverage per day.”

Obesity after menopause is another factor that can increase breast cancer risk, she said.

“Maintaining a healthy body weight throughout life, especially after menopause, and avoiding excess weight gain through regular exercise and a healthy diet are key,” Marley said. “Physical activity, particularly after menopause, can reduce the risk of breast cancer.”

The American Cancer Society suggests aiming for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week to lower risk.

While prevention is key, advancements in breast cancer treatments are also providing hope. Marley highlighted the development of more targeted therapies that allow doctors to tailor treatment to a woman’s specific cancer subtype.

“Depending on the breast cancer type, we can target therapy specifically to the cancer, which often results in better outcomes and fewer side effects than traditional therapies,” she said.

Surgical options have also evolved, with smaller, less invasive procedures now available for some patients.

“For patients with smaller breast cancers, we can now remove just the cancer while leaving the rest of the breast intact with excellent cosmetic results,” Marley said. “Some patients can even avoid lymph node surgery, which wasn’t an option 10 years ago.”

Breast reconstruction has also made significant strides. Patients undergoing mastectomies may now have the option to save the nipple or as much skin as possible for a better reconstructive outcome.

“For women interested in breast reduction at the same time as their cancer surgery, that option is available too,” Marley said.

Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but Marley encourages patients and their families to ask questions and seek support.

“Going through a cancer diagnosis is a difficult and emotional experience,” she said. “Meeting with doctors and undergoing testing can be stressful, so it’s important to ask as many questions as possible to understand your diagnosis and treatment options.”

She also recommends reliable resources, such as the American Cancer Society, for research.

While the long-term effects of breast cancer treatment vary from person to person, some women may experience minor side effects, such as skin darkening from radiation or arm swelling after surgery.

“If you notice symptoms after surgery, like pain or swelling, don’t hesitate to talk to your surgeon,” Marley said. “Many symptoms can be treated if addressed early.”

Support groups can also provide emotional assistance during treatment and recovery.

“I encourage any patient with a new diagnosis to join a support group,” Marley said. “Sharing concerns with others who’ve been in a similar situation can be incredibly helpful. Nurse navigators are also available to guide patients through the complexities of their care.”

In terms of new research, Marley shared details about an ongoing UPMC trial exploring a potential vaccine for breast cancer.

“While there are no vaccines yet to prevent breast cancer, this study is investigating a vaccine for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS),” she said. “The goal is to teach the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells before they become invasive.”

Though this vaccine is still in the research phase, it offers hope for future prevention of breast cancer. More information on the study can be found on the UPMC website.

Genetic factors also contribute to breast cancer risk. About 10% of breast cancer diagnoses are linked to gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly raise the risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

“If someone in your family has a known gene mutation, or you have a strong family history of cancers, you may qualify for genetic testing,” Marley said. “Women with BRCA mutations may consider risk-reducing mastectomies or removing their ovaries to lower their lifetime cancer risk.”

In the meantime, regular high-risk screening remains essential for women with gene mutations.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of how common breast cancer is among women.

“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” Marley said. “It’s the most common cancer in women, other than skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.”

During this month, Marley encourages women to prioritize their health by scheduling mammograms and reminding their friends and family to do the same.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to take action—whether it’s getting your own screening or encouraging others to take care of their health,” she said. “It could save a life.”