Breast Cancer

Your partner in every step of the fight against breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second-most diagnosed cancer in women, behind only skin cancer. In fact, one out of eight women will get a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, and the risk of developing breast cancer increases in women after age 50. Male breast cancer is rare, but it does occur in about 1 percent of men.

You are not alone in your fight. The breast cancer team at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute will be with you every step of the way -- from diagnosis through recovery. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, and we’ll connect you with the support services and resources you need to beat this disease and live life to the fullest.

Why should I choose Henry Ford for my breast cancer care?

When you have breast cancer, you want highly specialized experts by your side. We received accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a program of the American College of Surgeons. Your Henry Ford team will include cancer doctors from a range of disciplines who meet regularly to review your case. You’ll also have a dedicated breast cancer nurse to support you throughout the process. You will benefit from our comprehensive approach to care, including:

World-class expertise

Our Breast Cancer Center has achieved national accreditation. As one of the nation’s leading breast cancer programs, Henry Ford is recognized for clinical excellence. We give patients access to the top surgeons and the most advanced science-based technologies and treatments.

Precision medicine pioneer

Henry Ford leads a seven-state research consortium to advance personalized healthcare by studying how lifestyle, environment and genetics influences a person’s health and disease risk. Precision medicine is revolutionizing the way we treat breast cancer and we are on the forefront.

Advanced treatments

Each patient and breast cancer is unique, and treatment should be as well. We take your type of cancer, health needs and concerns into account to create a personalized treatment plan. Our radiologists, surgeons and oncologists utilize numerous advanced techniques, including breast-conserving treatment, whenever possible. Other treatment options include:

We also offer a broad range of clinical trials for patients diagnosed at all stages of breast cancer. Talk with your health care team about the possible benefits of a clinical trial for your care.

International genetic research

At Henry Ford, our breast cancer research starts with you. From there, the possibilities are endless, and have taken us all the way to Ghana in Africa. That’s where Henry Ford breast cancer medical director Dr. Lisa Newman, M.D., has been researching the genetic origins of triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive and difficult to treat type, in order to create more survivors.

Personalized care

Your diagnosis, treatment plan and medical team is uniquely yours. With your multi-disciplinary team, you will receive the answers to all your questions and access the support you need to heal your body from breast cancer. You will also have your own personal nurse navigator who will schedule your appointments and guide you every step of the way.

Comprehensive support services

Sometimes you need more than medicine. From nurse navigators to assist you through all phases of care to support groups and unique exercise therapies, we offer numerous support services to help you overcome your diagnosis. After meeting with your breast cancer team, we also introduce you to a breast cancer survivor through the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program.

What causes breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the tissues of the breast, chest, chest wall, or skin develop and grow out of control. Some types of breast cancer grow slowly, while others grow rapidly and can spread to other areas of the body. When breast cancer spreads to other areas of the body, it is called metastatic breast cancer.

We don’t know the exact cause of breast cancer. We do know there are factors that put you at increased risk for it. The main ones include gender; age; and a previous history of certain cancers, including breast, uterine, ovarian, or colon cancers.

Family history can put you at even higher risk of developing breast cancer. Genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase your breast cancer risk and are passed down from one generation to the next. We offer genetic testing and counseling to determine if you are a carrier of one of these genes. If you are, we’ll walk you through your options to reduce your risk.