You don't have to face breast cancer alone. When you visit one of Houston Methodist’s Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Centers, you’re met with a dedicated team of breast cancer specialists who are here for you every step of the way. From your first mammogram to life after treatment, our mission is to stop your breast cancer and guide your healing — physically, spiritually and emotionally.

 

The good news is that every day that passes, breast cancer is becoming more and more treatable, and early detection is the key.

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Breast Cancer Treatment

Houston Methodist’s oncologists, nurses and staff have decades of experience studying and treating all breast cancer types and stages. We are committed to providing comprehensive breast cancer care, creating personal connections to ensure each patient receives excellent care in an atmosphere filled with collaboration, research and compassion.

 

Breast Cancer Symptoms

It’s important to understand that breast cancer symptoms vary from person to person, and some may experience none at all. Different types of breast cancer may also exhibit different symptoms at different stages of progression. For example, inflammatory breast cancer is often found at a later stage, typically stage III or IV, since it causes swelling and skin changes rather than a lump that can be felt early. If you have any of the following sign or symptoms, you should see your doctor right away:

 

  • A lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm
  • Breast swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin dimpling or puckering
  • An itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
  • Nipple or breast inversion or retraction
  • Sudden nipple discharge
  • New pain in one spot that does not go away

 

Early detection of breast cancer can often lead to less aggressive treatment and better outcomes. Smaller tumors detected at earlier stages may sometimes be treated with only a lumpectomy, without the need for radiation therapy. Additionally, the earlier the stage at diagnosis, the lower the likelihood of cancer recurrence after treatment.

 

You can improve your chances of catching breast cancer early by:

 

  • Performing regular breast self-examinations to identify any of the symptoms above.
  • Requesting a clinical breast exam as part of your annual well-woman checkup performed by your doctor.
  • Getting your annual mammogram, which is vital for catching breast cancer in its earliest stages and could add years to your life.
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Types of Breast Cancer

Many people think of breast cancer as a single disease, when in fact, there are many different types of breast cancer, each characterized by unique features and behaviors. Depending on its molecular makeup, breast cancer can start in different areas of the breast, progress at different rates, and respond differently to treatment. Understanding your specific type of breast cancer helps our care team build a treatment plan suited to your unique needs.

At Houston Methodist, our specialists know how to treat everything from non-invasive, early-stage cancers to the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, including:

Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive, less common invasive cancer that, despite starting in the milk ducts or lobules just like other breast cancers, doesn’t produce lumps or tumors. It makes the breast skin appear red and feel warm, and the breast may become larger and more tender.

Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer, also called stage IV breast cancer, is classified as “metastatic” because it has spread to other areas of the body, often traveling first through the lymph vessels and branching out through nearby lymph nodes. Similar to chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, metastatic breast cancer is treatable, though it is not curable.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and makes very little of the HER2 protein. This sets it apart from HER2-positive breast cancer, where that same protein is the target of many available treatments.

Male Breast Cancer
Breast cancer in men is rare (less than 1% of all breast cancers) and begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue. Breast cancer can occur in men at any age, but typically affects those between the ages of 60 and 70.
Learn more about the different types of breast cancer

Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care — For Every Step of Your Journey


woman being screened for breast cancer

Breast Cancer Screening, Prevention & Diagnosis

Understanding your personal risk factors and taking steps to manage the ones you have gives you more control over your breast health. Our High Risk Program helps identify people with a stronger-than-average chance of developing breast cancer so they can take action early. Routine screening remains one of the most effective tools for catching breast cancer early, often before a lump can even be felt. Our breast care center offers a full range of screening options, tailored to your age, risk level and personal history. If a screening or symptom leads to further testing, our team moves quickly to get you answers. Diagnosis typically involves a breast biopsy to confirm whether cancer is present and, in some cases, genetic testing to understand whether an inherited gene mutation played a role, information that can also help guide your treatment plan.

patient and doctor

Breast Cancer Treatment, Surgery & Procedures

Our specialists collaborate on a treatment plan built around your diagnosis, your goals and your life. Care may include breast ultrasound and diagnostic imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or reconstructive surgery, depending on what's right for you. We prioritize preserving healthy tissue whenever possible, and our patients have access to advanced techniques not available at every hospital system, such as restoring breast sensation after a mastectomy.

smiling doctor with patient

Breast Cancer Research & Clinical Trials

Our researchers are continually studying new and emerging breast cancer treatments, giving our patients access to therapies not yet widely available elsewhere. Participating in a clinical trial can mean earlier access to breakthrough treatments, closer monitoring from a dedicated care team and the chance to help shape the future of breast cancer care.

3 female patients talking together in group setting

Breast Cancer Counseling & Support

A cancer diagnosis can reshape your daily routines, your relationships and the way you see the future. Our nurse navigators, counselors and support groups are here to help you and your loved ones process the emotional side of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship at every stage of the journey. Whether you need someone to help coordinate appointments, a space to talk through fear or uncertainty, or connection with others who understand what you're going through, our team is here to walk alongside you.

Find a Breast Cancer Specialist at Houston Methodist

Our highly skilled team of breast cancer specialists, including medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, nurses, nurse navigators, and support staff, have decades of experience researching and treating all breast cancer stages and types. They have made it their mission to work together and design the most effective treatment plan to stop your breast cancer. 

 

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    Breast Cancer Education & Awareness

    We recognize that the sheer volume of breast cancer information out there can be overwhelming, so we have streamlined it below to make it easier for you to digest as well as to make sure you understand what you absolutely need to know.

    • Breast Cancer Information 

      Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S. — In fact, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection through annual mammograms and other breast exams is the best way to avoid a late-stage diagnosis and have a more successful outcome.

      It's very important to understand your risk for breast cancer. Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center launched its High Risk Program to identify and serve patients with a stronger-than-average chance of developing breast, gastrointestinal, ovarian or uterine cancer. 

    • Understanding the Stages of Breast Cancer

      There are five stages of breast cancer: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. The higher the number, the more the cancer has spread. The cancer is staged when you are first diagnosed and helps you and your doctor figure out your prognosis, decide on the best treatment options, and determine if you are a good candidate for certain clinical trials.

      Learn more about breast cancer diagnosis and the five stages of breast cancer > 

    • Common Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Causes

      Breast cancer occurs when cells of the breast, often those located in the milk-producing ducts, begin to grow out of control. In some cases, breast cancer is caused by known hormonal or genetic changes. But, in other cases, it's not always exactly clear why breast cancer develops. 

      Having one or more of the risk factors below doesn't mean you'll get breast cancer, just as having none doesn't mean you won't get it. This is simply a list of what's known to be associated with an increased chance of eventually developing this particular type of cancer.

       

      • Family history of breast cancer
      • Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
      • Personal history of noncancerous (benign) tumors and tissue removal
      • Mutations in breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2)
      • Menstruation before age 12
      • Giving birth to a first child after age 30 or being childless
      • Beginning menopause after age 55
      • Aging – most cases occur after age 50
      • Consuming more than one alcoholic drink daily
      • Being overweight or obese – especially after menopause or if excess body fat is in the upper body
      • Taking birth control pills at least four years before a first, full-term pregnancy
      • Postmenopausal hormone therapy
      • Estrogen produced by the body
      • Occupational radiation exposure

       

      All women are at risk for breast cancer, and it's a risk that increases with age. That’s why it's important to know the annual screenings that are key to early breast cancer detection, even if you don't have a family history.

      Learn more about breast cancer screenings and prevention >

    FAQs About Breast Cancer