Breast Cancer Awareness: A Guide to Prevention, Treatment, and Your Journey

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Lee Health experts want to tell you about the importance of early detection, treatment options, and the journey you may face. There will be about 310,000 new cases of breast cancer reported in 2024, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The good news? Most women survive breast cancer if it is found and treated early. Here’s what you need to know:

Screening and early diagnosis can beat the disease

Screening refers to tests and exams used to find a disease in people who do not have any symptoms. Early detection means finding and diagnosing a disease earlier than waiting for symptoms to start.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, when breast cancer is detected early and hasn’t spread anywhere else in the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99 percent.

Lee Health Breast Health Centers

Did you know? Lee Health operates three Breast Health Centers that use a variety of breast examinations to get the most accurate diagnosis possible at convenient locations, said Diana McEnerney, director of Lee Health Outpatient Breast Health Imaging.

“We give our patients peace of mind with innovative technology, board-certified physicians who specialize in breast health, and technologists certified in mammography and breast ultrasound,” McEnerney said. 

Self-exams and mammograms

Screening and early detection include performing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel. They should immediately report any changes to their doctor.

“It’s important that women of all ages regularly perform their own breast exams,” McEnerney said. “While administering your own breast exam, you may discover a new lump earlier than when your annual mammography may be due. If so, you should follow up with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.”

The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammograms for women starting at age 40 and continuing as long as they are in good health. But your doctor might want you to have a screening earlier if you have a mother or sister with breast cancer.

McEnerney said to include a mammogram in your yearly health checkup because it will also reveal the density of your breast tissue, allowing more tests such as MRI or ultrasound.

Takeaway: Mammograms are essential, important, and potentially life-saving. Talk with your doctor about when to start mammography screening sooner rather than later.

Get the latest information and more details about mammograms here.

What are my treatment options?

The first step after a diagnosis is to deal with the shock and to lean on a firm support system. That shock can get worse when doctors start explaining cancer treatments.

Nurse navigators play a big role by meeting with patients, teaching them about their disease and the treatment process, and connecting them to the right emotional, medical, spiritual, and financial resources.

“We meet with patients one-on-one. We do teaching with patients about their whole disease process,” said Tammy Zinn, director clinical support at Lee Health. 

Expert care at Lee Health Cancer Institute

A breast cancer diagnosis leaves you with questions, decisions, and anxiety. The Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic at the Lee Health Cancer Institute helps newly diagnosed breast cancer patients or patients looking for a second opinion on their treatment options. Patients can be referred by their physician, or they can contact a breast cancer navigator for a self-referral.

Clinic visit

You will meet the medical oncologist, surgeon, and radiation oncologist. Each doctor will talk to you one-on-one, complete an assessment, discuss treatment choices, and answer all your questions.

The medical team will discuss your case. The physicians -- along with the breast cancer nurse navigator, pathologist, radiologist, genetic counselor, clinical oncology pharmacist, and, when necessary, a plastic surgeon -- evaluate your tests and health history. Using National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, they will put together your plan of care.

The nurse navigator will discuss the plan with you and then help schedule all your appointments.

Breast cancer treatment 

Your physician may recommend a combination of treatments depending on your unique needs.

• Surgery: Surgeons remove parts of the body with cancer via procedures like a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
• Hormone Therapy: Physicians prescribe drugs like Tamoxifen, which can restrict cancer’s ability to grow.
• Biological Therapy: Physicians strategically use your body’s immune system to help your body fight cancer and the side effects of the other therapies listed.
• Radiation Therapy: Patients are given targeted high doses of radiation to shrink and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Sessions where you’re given drugs that shrink and kill cancer cells in your body.

Team members and support services 

Get to know our team! Here is a rundown of the different kinds of friendly staff members you’ll find.

Cancer nurse navigators

Our cancer navigators are certified nurses who will help you and your family understand your diagnosis and provide encouragement and education. They will be there when you feel overwhelmed by coordinating appointments, explaining your treatment, and connecting you with services.

Oncology-trained pharmacist

These skilled professionals prepare and dispense chemotherapy treatment and provide key medication and counseling.

Psychosocial support

The Lee Health Cancer Institute employs licensed clinical medical social workers for individual and group counseling so you will never feel alone.

Nutrition / Dietitian & Nutrition Seminars

Regular workshops and seminars provide the most up-to-date information on how diet and nutrition can help during treatment. Learn how to shop, what to buy, how to cook, and other important details to take the guesswork out of your diet.

Nutritional Counseling

Our oncology dietitians teach you about healthy, nourishing meals and guide you through problems with appetite, weight loss, malnutrition, pain, and supplements.

Genetic Counseling

Recent advances show that certain genes can put individuals at risk for cancer. One of our genetic counselors can dive into your history and help you and your family understand their risk, provide information, and perform a screening. We offer counseling for breast cancer, gynecological cancers, skin cancers, and many other conditions.

Cancer Rehabilitation

Breast cancer rehabilitation is similar to other forms of rehabilitation patients might receive after suffering a serious illness or injury. Our cancer navigators guide patients through exercises for flexibility and stamina to minimize side effects, lower the risk of readmission, and help patients return to normal lives.

Support Groups

Monthly support groups give patients and families a place to talk, provide facts and advice on diagnoses, treatments, ways to manage side effects/complications of treatment, and provide emotional support.

Survivorship Care

Our survivorship specialists will help you regain control of your health and life after cancer treatment. Follow-up care includes nutrition, exercise plans, wellness tips, and other essential tools as you ease back into a regular routine.

Onsite Mastectomy Prosthetic-certified Fitters

Our compassionate experts will instruct and train you on how to wear post-mastectomy devices. They will also measure, fit, and adjust any related supplies and answer all your questions.

Integrative Services

Acupuncture, yoga, hypnotherapy, massage, and aroma therapy help soothe your mind, body, and spirit against the side effects of treatment. Repair, restore, regenerate, and rebuild with these services.

Cookie’s Place Boutique

Cookie’s Place Boutique assists patients, caregivers, family members, and friends in finding just what they need, from wigs to breast forms to that special gift. This healing boutique also offers massage therapies, essential oils, yoga, and gentle exercise classes.

Meditation Center for Patients

Our meditation classes will calm your body, mind, and spirit and inspire you to heal.

Healing Garden and Outdoor Labyrinth

Our beautifully landscaped Sidney and Berne Davis Healing Garden reminds our patients and their families that life is a journey, and reflection helps focus the mind and recharge.

Transition to Hospice

When effective cancer therapy is no longer an option, patients will have access to optimal palliative care and counseling with respect to end-of-life issues.

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Looking for a Cancer Specialist?

The Lee Health Cancer Institute is redefining cancer care in Southwest Florida. As the region’s only accredited cancer institute, you will have access to experts, essential services, and treatment options all under one roof. We have locations at the Regional Cancer Center building in Fort Myers and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cancer Clinic at the Bonita Health Center.